An Ounce of Prevention ...
By Mary Nakhla , MD , Atlantic Medical Group Primary Care at Pompton Lakes
The road to long-term health begins with your primarycaredoctor , who oversees your preventive health screenings throughout your life . With your primary care physician ’ s help , you cantake proactive steps to prevent , delayand alleviatechronic illnesslike heart disease and diabetes .
The more your primary care doctor knows about you , the greater his or her ability to provide youwith insights about your overall health and any risks or warning signs of chronicillness . Remember , your doctor helpsyou to take charge of your health and becomemore mindful about your lifestyle and choices .
YEARLY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ADULTS
Comprehensive Physical Exam . An annual wellnessvisit is recommended for all adults . Your doctor will measure your blood pressure Mary Nakhla , MD and your height andweight . They ’ ll also talk with you about any healthconcerns you have and about tobacco , drug or alcohol use , anxietyand depression , sexually transmitted infections , skin cancer risk , hearing , visionand oral health .
Routine Blood Work . You doctor may order acomplete blood count ( CBC ), whichisagroupofteststhat counts blood cells , platelets and other markers that help evaluate overall health anddetect awide range of disorders . Abasic metabolic panel ( BMP ) measures glucose ( sugar ), electrolyte and fluid balance , andkidney function . Based on your symptoms , risk factors , orfamily history , specific blood testsmay be necessary to evaluate diabetes , cholesterol , thyroid disease , liver disease , and anemia . AHepatitisCscreening is also recommended for adults at least once in their lifetime .
Immunizations . Vaccines help your immune system fight disease and provide protection formany years . They also helpstop the spread of infections from one person to another . Here ’ s alist of the recommended childhood and adultimmunizations :
� Influenza ( flu ) – one dose annually during flu season
� HPV vaccine ( series of 3 )
� Tdap ( if never received as adolescent )
� Td booster or Tdap – every 10 years
� Herpes zoster ( Shingles ) vaccine – age50orolder
� Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine ( PPSV23 ) – age 65 or older
� COVID-19 vaccine
SCREENING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR WOMEN Colorectal Cancer . Speak with your doctor about whichscreening for coloncancerisright for you . Starting at age 45through age 75for those at average risk .
Lung Cancer . Screening with low-dosecomputedtomography ( LDCT ). Every year for adults age 50 to 77 years who have a20-pack per year smoking history andcurrently smoke OR have quit within the past 15 years
Osteoporosis . Bone measurementtest . For those younger than 65 years who areatincreased risk of osteoporosis . All women 65 and older shouldbescreened once .
Cervical Cancer . Screening options include cervical cytology ( PAP smear ) and high-risk humanpapillomavirus testing ( hrHPV ). Screen beginning at age 21 .
Breast Cancer . Mammography or breast ultrasound every twoyears . For ages 50 to 74 years .
Screenings beforeage 50 or after 74 are options that should be ashareddecisionbetween patient and practitioner .
SCREENING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MEN
Prostate Cancer . Prostate-specific antigen ( PSA ) blood test to screen for prostate cancer . Begins at ages 50 to 75 for those at average risk . For thoseathigher risk , starts at age 40 . Screeningoptions shouldbeashareddecision between patientand practitioner .
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm . One-time screening with ultrasonography for men . For ages 65 to 75 who have ever smoked .
Colorectal Cancer . Speak with your doctor about which screening for colon cancerisright for you . Starts at age 45 throughage 75 for those at average risk .
Lung Cancer . Screening with low dose computed tomography ( LDCT ). Every year for adults age 50 to 77 years who have a20-pack per year smoking historyand currently smoke OR have quit withinthe past 15 years .
NOTE : This list of screenings for women andmen is based on current recommended guidelines . Forpatients at increased risk duetofamily history , health issues or lifestyle , your primary care doctor may recommend earlier or additional screenings . Remember , early detection can save lives .
To find aprimarycaredoctor near youand schedule your annual visit , call 1-844-264-2250 or visit atlanticmedicalgroup . org / primarycare .
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