There are three ways your doctor can help you stay healthy – prevention, screening and treatment. Unfortunately, many people see their doctors only to get treated when they are sick. These people often miss lifesaving opportunities to prevent health problems or catch them at an early stage, when they can be treated most easily.

An Ounce of Prevention…

Not smoking (or quitting if you already smoke), making wise food choices, getting enough physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight can help you reduce your disease risk, feel better and live longer. There’s a lot you can do on your own to prevent cancer, diabetes, heart disease and stroke. And your doctor can help you recognize unhealthy aspects of your lifestyle. Your doctor is a great source of advice on how to make the right choices for lifelong health.

Your doctor will also ask about your family history. Certain forms of cancer, diabetes, heart disease and stroke can run in some families. Information about health problems among your closest relatives will help tell your doctor whether you need to be especially cautious about preventing certain diseases through lifestyle changes or medication.

An Ounce of Screening…

When it comes to health, there’s no doubt that an ounce of prevention is worth at least a pound of cure. And the same applies to screening – the use of tests or examinations to help find health problems early, before they cause any symptoms. These tests can find problems at an early stage, when they can be treated most easily, most effectively, and with the fewest side effects. Do you know which tests you need, at what age to start, and how often to get tested? Your doctor can get you on track with the screenings that are most appropriate for you.

Be sure to ask your doctor about screening tests recommended by the American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association and American Heart Association.  The following list names the tests recommended for people at average risk.

Blood pressure check – Check at each regular health care visit.

Body Mass Index (BMI) – Check at each regular health care visit.

Clinical breast exam (CBE) and mammography – Get a CBE every three years until age 40, then yearly with your mammogram.

Pap test – Get one every year from age 20 to 30; at age 30 and beyond, get screened every one to three years depending on the type of test and past results.

Cholesterol check – Starting at age 20, get tested every five years.

Blood glucose (sugar) test – Starting at age 45, have your fasting blood glucose checked every three years.

Colon screening – Starting at age 50, get screened every one to 10 years, depending on the type of test.

Prostate exam – Starting at age 50, ask your doctor about the pros and cons of testing.

Depending on your family history and personal medical history, you may need some other tests too, or you may need to start screening at a younger age. Talk to your doctor today to find out which screening tests are right for you.

Print this list of questions and take it with you on your next doctor visit!
Healthcare Provider should visit the Healthcare Providers section for more resources.