Preventative Health
What are some screenings I should get based on my age and health history?
As you age, it’s important to be aware of the screenings you should get in order to maintain your health. Here are some screenings to consider based on your age and health history:
If you’re in your 20s…
It’s important to start establishing healthy habits in your 20s. This is the time to start getting regular screenings and check-ups. You should get a Pap smear to screen for cervical cancer and a colonoscopy to screen for colorectal cancer. You should also get your cholesterol checked and start getting blood pressure screenings. If you have a family history of breast cancer, you should start getting mammograms in your 20s as well.
If you’re in your 30s…
In your 30s, you should continue with the screenings you started in your 20s. You should also start getting skin cancer screenings. If you’re a smoker, this is the time to quit. Smoking increases your risk for a number of diseases, including cancer.
If you’re in your 40s…
In your 40s, you should continue with the screenings you started in your 20s and 30s. You should also start getting screenings for diabetes and osteoporosis. If you’re a woman, you should start getting mammograms every other year.
If you’re in your 50s…
In your 50s, you should continue with the screenings you started in your 20s, 30s, and 40s. You should also start getting screenings for colon cancer. If you’re a man, you should start getting prostate cancer screenings.
If you’re in your 60s…
In your 60s, you should continue with the screenings you started in your 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s. You should also start getting screenings for glaucoma and cataracts.
If you’re in your 70s…
In your 70s, you should continue with the screenings you started in your 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s. You should also start getting screenings for memory problems and balance problems.
If you have a family history of any diseases, you should start getting screenings for those diseases earlier than the age ranges listed above. It’s also important to talk to your doctor about any other health concerns you may have.
What are some vaccinations I should get to help prevent disease?
There are many vaccinations that can help prevent disease in healthcare. Some of the most common and important vaccinations are:
1. The flu vaccine: This vaccine can help protect you from the flu, which is a serious respiratory illness. It is recommended for all healthcare workers.
2. The hepatitis B vaccine: This vaccine can help protect you from hepatitis B, a serious liver infection. It is recommended for all healthcare workers.
3. The varicella (chickenpox) vaccine: This vaccine can help protect you from chickenpox, a serious skin infection. It is recommended for all healthcare workers.
4. The pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine: This vaccine can help protect you from pertussis, a serious respiratory illness. It is recommended for all healthcare workers.
5. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine: This vaccine can help protect you from measles, mumps, and rubella, three serious viral infections. It is recommended for all healthcare workers.
6. The polio vaccine: This vaccine can help protect you from polio, a serious neurological illness. It is recommended for all healthcare workers.
7. The varicella zoster (shingles) vaccine: This vaccine can help protect you from shingles, a serious skin infection. It is recommended for all healthcare workers.
8. The pneumococcal vaccine: This vaccine can help protect you from pneumococcal disease, a serious respiratory illness. It is recommended for all healthcare workers.
9. The meningococcal vaccine: This vaccine can help protect you from meningococcal disease, a serious bacterial infection. It is recommended for all healthcare workers.
10. The yellow fever vaccine: This vaccine can help protect you from yellow fever, a serious viral infection. It is recommended for all healthcare workers.
What are some lifestyle changes I can make to improve my health?
There's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best lifestyle changes to improve your health will vary depending on your individual health needs. However, there are some general lifestyle changes that can help many people to improve their health, and these are a good place to start.
1. Eat a healthy diet.
Eating a healthy diet is one of the best things you can do for your health. Focus on eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein, and limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats.
2. Get regular exercise.
Exercise is important for overall health, and it can help to reduce your risk of many chronic diseases. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity on most days of the week.
3. Quit smoking.
If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your health. Talk to your doctor about quitting strategies and consider using nicotine replacement therapy or prescription medications to help you quit.
4. Limit alcohol consumption.
Drinking alcohol in moderation can be part of a healthy lifestyle, but excessive alcohol consumption can lead to health problems. If you drink alcohol, limit yourself to no more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women.
5. Get enough sleep.
Most adults need seven to eight hours of sleep per night, but many people don't get enough. If you're having trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor about possible solutions.
6. Manage stress.
Chronic stress can take a toll on your health, so it's important to find ways to manage it. Exercise, relaxation techniques, and counseling can all help to reduce stress.
Making even small changes in your lifestyle can have a big impact on your health. If you're not sure where to start, talk to your doctor about which lifestyle changes would be most beneficial for you.