ESSENTIAL SCREEENING TESTS FOR MEN & WOMEN

Men's Health .... Essential Screening Tests Every Man Needs

Why Screening Tests Are Important

Getting the right screening test at the right time is one of the most important things a man can do for his health. Screenings find diseases early, before you have symptoms, when they're easier to treat. Early colon cancer can be nipped in the bud. Finding diabetes early may help prevent complications such as vision loss and impotence. The tests you need are based on your age and your risk factors.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer found in American men after skin cancer. It tends to be a slow-growing cancer, but there are also aggressive, fast-growing types of prostate cancer. Screening tests can find the disease early, sometimes before symptoms develop, when treatments are most effective.

Tests for Prostate Cancer

Screenings for healthy men may include a digital rectal exam (DRE) and possibly a prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test. Government guidelines recommend against the routine use of the PSA test. The American Cancer Society advises each man to talk with a doctor about the risks and possible benefits of the PSA test. Discussions should begin at:

• 50 for average-risk men
• 45 for men at high risk.
• 40 for men with a strong family history of prostate cancer

Testicular Cancer

This uncommon cancer develops in a man's testicles, the reproductive glands that produce sperm. Most cases occur between ages 20 and 54. The American Cancer Society recommends that all men have a testicular exam when they see a doctor for a routine physical. Men at higher risk (a family history or an undescended testicle) should talk with a doctor about additional screening. Some doctors advise regular self-exams, gently feeling for hard lumps, smooth bumps, or changes in size or shape of the testes.

Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of death from cancer. Men have a slightly higher risk of developing it than women. The majority of colon cancers slowly develop from colon polyps: growths on the inner surface of the colon. After cancer develops it can invade or spread to other parts of the body. The way to prevent colon cancer is to find and remove colon polyps before they turn cancerous.

Tests for Colon Cancer

Screening begins at age 50 in average-risk adults. A colonoscopy is a common test for detecting polyps and colorectal cancer. A doctor views the entire colon using a flexible tube and a camera. Polyps can be removed at the time of the test. A similar alternative is a flexible sigmoidoscopy that examines only the lower part of the colon. Some patients opt for a virtual colonoscopy -- a CT scan -- or double contrast barium enema -- a special X-ray -- although if polyps are detected, an actual colonoscopy is needed to remove them.

Skin Cancer

The most dangerous form of skin cancer is melanoma (shown here). It begins in specialized cells called melanocytes that produce skin colour. Older men are twice as likely to develop melanoma as women of the same age. Men are also 2-3 times more likely to get non-melanoma basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers than women are. Your risk increases as lifetime exposure to sun and/or tanning beds accumulates; sunburns accelerate risk.

Screening for Skin Cancer

The American Cancer Society and the American Academy of Dermatology recommend regular skin self-exams to check for any changes in marks on your skin including shape, color, and size. A skin exam by a dermatologist or other health professional should be part of a routine cancer checkup. Treatments for skin cancer are more effective and less disfiguring when it's found early.

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Your risk for high blood pressure increases with age. It's also related to your weight and lifestyle. High blood pressure can lead to severe complications without any prior symptoms, including an aneurysm -- dangerous ballooning of an artery. But it can be treated. When it is, you may reduce your risk for heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. The bottom line: Know your blood pressure. If it's high, work with your doctor to manage it.

Screening for High Blood Pressure

Blood pressure readings give two numbers. The first (systolic) is the pressure in your arteries when the heart beats. The second (diastolic) is the pressure between beats. Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80. High blood pressure is 140/90 or higher, and in between those two is pre hypertension -- a major milestone on the road to high blood pressure. How often blood pressure should be checked depends on how high it is and what other risk factors you have.

Cholesterol Levels

A high level of LDL cholesterol in the blood causes sticky plaque to build up in the walls of your arteries (seen here in orange). This increases your risk of heart disease. Atherosclerosis -- hardening and narrowing of the arteries -- can progress without symptoms for many years. Over time it can lead to heart attack and stroke. Lifestyle changes and medications can reduce this "bad" cholesterol and lower your risk of cardiovascular disease.

Determining Cholesterol Levels

The fasting blood lipid panel is a blood test that tells you your levels of total cholesterol, LDL "bad" cholesterol, HDL "good" cholesterol, and triglycerides (blood fat). The results tell you and your doctor a lot about what you need to do to reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Men 20 years and older should have a new panel done at least every five years. Starting at 35, men need regular cholesterol testing.

Type 2 Diabetes

One-third of Americans with diabetes don't know they have it. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to heart disease and stroke, kidney disease, blindness from damage to the blood vessels of the retina (shown here), nerve damage, and impotence. This doesn't have to happen. Especially when found early, diabetes can be controlled and complications can be avoided with diet, exercise, weight loss, and medications.

Screening for Type 2 Diabetes

A fasting plasma glucose test is most often used to screen for diabetes. More and more doctors are turning to the A1C test, which tells how well your body has controlled blood sugar over time. Healthy adults should have the test every three years starting at age 45. If you have a higher risk, including high cholesterol or blood pressure, you may start testing earlier and more frequently.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. It's in the blood and other body secretions of infected individuals, even when there are no symptoms. It spreads from one person to another when these secretions come in contact with the vagina, anal area, mouth, eyes, or a break in the skin. There is still no cure or vaccine. Modern treatments can keep HIV infection from becoming AIDS, but these medications can have serious side effects.

HIV Screening Tests

HIV-infected individuals can remain symptom-free for many years. The only way to know they are infected is with a series of blood tests. The first test is called ELISA or EIA. It looks for antibodies to HIV in the blood. It's possible not to be infected and still show positive on the test. So a second test called a Western blot assay is done for confirmation. If you were recently infected, you could still have a negative test result. Repeat testing is recommended. If you think you may have been exposed to HIV, ask your doctor about the tests.

Preventing the Spread of HIV

Most newly infected individuals test positive by two months after infection. But up to 5% are still negative after six months. Safe sex -- abstinence or always using latex barriers such as a condom or a dental dam -- is necessary to avoid getting HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. If you have HIV and are pregnant, talk with your doctor about what needs to be done to reduce the risk of HIV infection in your unborn child. Drug users should not share needles.

Glaucoma

This group of eye diseases gradually damages the optic nerve and may lead to blindness -- and significant, irreversible vision loss can occur before people with glaucoma notice any symptoms. Screening tests look for abnormally high pressure within the eye, to catch and treat the condition before damage to the optic nerve.

Glaucoma Screening

Eye tests for glaucoma are based on age and personal risk:

• Under 40: Every 2-4 years
• 40-54: Every 1-3 years
• 55-64: Every 1-2 years
• 65 up: Every 6-12 months

Talk with a doctor about earlier, more frequent screening, if you fall in a high risk group:  those with a family history of glaucoma, previous eye injury, or use of steroid medications.

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your health. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on this BLOG. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor.

FOREVER LIVING PRODUCTS FOR GENERAL HEALTH MAINTAINANCE

 Forever Living Products - Proactive Healthcare. Prevent major Brain, Lungs, Heart, Bones, etc. diseases. Stay away from common flue, viruses, etc. FLP is a Fortune 500 MNC (147 countries) since 1978. Excellent Quality & Result Oriented Products with Customer Satisfaction. There is NO MATCH for FLP’s Products, or, its MLM based Mkt Plan.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical conditions. Our products are dietary supplements, food and cosmetics to be used for general health and wellness, nutrition and to cleanse or beautify our customers. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have or think you may have a medical condition, consult a doctor before using new supplement.

We may list potential benefits and positive effects of ingredients contained in a product or based on general knowledge of Biology, reading of scientific literature and studies , as well as personal experience. Natural substances may improve your overall health and appearance  however, no Natural product is guaranteed or proven to cure any all diseases.

Forever Living Products - Proactive Healthcare. Prevent major Brain, Lungs, Heart, Bones, etc. diseases.  Stay away from common flue, viruses, etc.

Disease Prevention in Women ....Essential Screening Tests Every Woman Needs

Why Screening Tests Are Important

Getting the right screening test at the right time is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Screenings find diseases like cancer or diabetes early, often before you have symptoms, and when they're easier to treat. Which test you should have depends on your age and your risk factors. Learn more about the screenings your doctor may recommend for you.

Breast Cancer

Early detection of breast cancer greatly improves your odds for survival. That's because the smaller the cancer is when it's found, the better the chance for a surgical cure. Smaller breast cancers are also less likely to have spread to lymph nodes and other organs such as the lungs and brain. If you're in your 20s or 30s and do not have known breast cancer risk factors, a clinical breast exam by a health professional should be part of your regular health exam once every three years.

Screening With Mammography

Talk to your doctor about breast cancer screening. The American Cancer Society recommends yearly screening for women at average risk beginning at 40. However, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends routine screening mammograms every two years from ages 50 to 74. These low-dose X-rays can sometimes detect a breast mass three years before you can feel it. But a normal mammogram does not completely rule out the possibility of breast cancer.

Cervical Cancer

The cervix is the part of the uterus that extends into the vaginal cavity. Persistent infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) is the major risk factor for cervical cancer (shown here, magnified). Routine screening can find it early, when it's highly curable. It can also find abnormal precancerous cells on the surface of the cervix so they can be removed before they turn into cancer.

Screening for Cervical Cancer

Doctors use a Pap test to screen for cancer of the cervix. In the office, the doctor collects a sample of cells from your cervix. These are examined in the lab to find precancerous and cancer cells. The screening test should start at age 21. It's very effective in both preventing and finding cervical cancer early enough to cure it.

A Vaccine for Cervical Cancer

The FDA has approved a vaccine -- Gardasil -- for girls and women between the ages of 9 and 26. It protects them from four strains of HPV, the virus that is a leading cause of cervical cancer. A second vaccine, Cervarix, is approved for use in girls and women between the ages of 10 and 25, and targets two strains of HPV. Not all cervical cancers are due to HPV, and other strains of HPV can still cause cancer that neither vaccine protects against, so it's still important to have routine Pap tests to screen for cervical cancer.

Osteoporosis and Fractured Bones

Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become weak and fragile. It's caused by bone loss, which accelerates in women after menopause. The first symptom is often a painful bone fracture that can occur with only a minor fall, blow, or even just a twist of the body. It is possible to both prevent and treat osteoporosis, which threatens over half of people adults aged 50 and over.

Osteoporosis Screening Tests

A test called Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) can measure bone mineral density and detect osteoporosis before fractures occur. It can also help predict the risk of future bone fractures. Bone density testing is recommended for all women 65 years of age and older. It's also recommended for middle-aged women younger than 65 who have risk factors for osteoporosis.

Skin Cancer

The most dangerous form of skin cancer is melanoma (shown here). It's a malignancy that affects the cells that produce pigment in the skin. Some people may have a genetic risk factor for melanoma. And the risk increases with overexposure to the sun and sunburn. Basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers are common non-melanoma skin cancers. Early treatment of skin cancer can be effective.

Screening for Skin Cancer

The American Cancer Society and the American Academy of Dermatology recommend regular skin self-exams to check for any changes in marks on your skin including shape, colour  and size. A skin exam by a dermatologist or other health professional should be part of a routine cancer check up.

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Your risk for high blood pressure increases with age. It's also related to your weight and certain lifestyle habits. High blood pressure can lead to severe complications without any prior symptoms, including an aneurysm. Treating high blood pressure can reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. Finding out you have high blood pressure and then working with your doctor to manage it can pay huge health dividends.

Screening for High Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is expressed as two numbers. The first (systolic) is the pressure of your blood against your artery walls when the heart beats. The second (diastolic) is the pressure between beats. Normal adult blood pressure is less than 120/80. High blood pressure is at or above 140/90. A reading between those two is considered prehypertension. Your doctor can advise you as to how often to have your blood pressure checked.

Cholesterol Levels

A high level of LDL cholesterol is a major factor that increases the risk of atherosclerosis -- hardening and narrowing of the arteries caused by plaque (seen here in orange). It can progress without symptoms for many years. Over time it can lead to heart attack and stroke. Other atherosclerosis risk factors are high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking. Lifestyle changes and medications can lower your risk of heart disease.

Determining Cholesterol Levels

Doctors screen for problems with cholesterol by using a fasting blood lipid panel. That's a blood test that tells you your levels of total cholesterol, LDL "bad" cholesterol, HDL "good" cholesterol, and triglyceride (blood fat). Management decisions are based on the results. For adults 20 years or older, you should have a new panel done at least every five years.

Type 2 Diabetes

One-third of the people in the World with diabetes don't know they have it. The sixth leading cause of death in the world, diabetes can lead to a vast array of complications such as heart disease and stroke, kidney disease, blindness from damage to the blood vessels of the retina (shown here), and nerve damage. But, especially when found early, diabetes can be controlled and complications avoided with diet, exercise, and weight loss.

Screening for Type 2 Diabetes

A test known as fasting plasma glucose is most often used to screen for diabetes and pre diabetes. Blood is drawn after you've fasted at least eight hours. A blood sugar level of 100 to 125 indicates pre diabetes. And 126 or higher indicates diabetes. If you're healthy and have a normal risk of diabetes, you should have the test every three years starting at age 45. If you have a higher risk, get tested earlier and more often.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. It's in the blood and other body secretions of infected individuals, even when there are no symptoms. It can spread from one person to another when these secretions come in contact with the vagina, anal area, mouth, eyes, or a break in the skin. There is still no cure or vaccine. But, early treatment with anti-HIV medications may help the body's immune system fight the virus.

HIV Screening Tests

HIV-infected individuals can remain symptom free for many years. The only way to know they are infected is with a series of blood tests. The first test is called ELISA or EIA. It looks for antibodies to HIV in the blood. It's possible not to be infected and still show positive on the test. So a second test called a Western blot assay is done for confirmation. If you are infected, you could still have a negative test result. Repeat testing is recommended. If you think you may have been exposed to HIV, ask your doctor about the tests.

Preventing the Spread of HIV

Most newly infected individuals test positive by two months after infection. But in rare cases it may take up to six months for an ELISA test to turn positive after exposure to HIV. Abstinence or using latex barriers such as a condom or a dental dam is necessary to avoid potential infection of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. If you have HIV and are pregnant, talk with your doctor about what needs to be done to reduce the risk of HIV infection in your unborn child.

Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of death from cancer overall, and ranks third for women after lung and breast cancer. The majority of colon cancers develop from colon polyps that are growths on the inner surface of the colon. After cancer develops it can invade or spread to other parts of the body. The way to prevent colon cancer is to remove colon polyps before they turn cancerous.

Screening for Colorectal Cancer

A colonoscopy is a common screening test for colorectal cancer. A doctor views the entire colon using a flexible tube and a camera. Polyps can often be removed at the time of the test. A similar alternative is a flexible sigmoidoscopy that examines only the lower part of the colon. If you are at average risk, screening usually starts at age 50.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a condition that can result in blindness due to damage to the optic nerve. Primary open angle glaucoma is the most common type. This glaucoma often produces no symptoms until it is too late and vision loss has begun. There is good evidence that treating elevated eye pressure in glaucoma can prevent blindness.

Glaucoma Screening

How often you should have an eye exam that includes measuring the pressure inside the eye depends on your age and risk factors. African-Americans, people older than 60, family history of glaucoma, personal history of eye injury, and steroid use are risk factors. For healthy individuals under 40 and without increased risk, routine screening every two to four years is recommended.

Importance of Health Screening

Being proactive and discussing screening tests with your doctor makes good health sense. Some tests, such as a Pap test or breast exam should be a routine part of every woman's health care. Other tests become more or less important based on your risks. Proper screening won't always prevent a disease. But it can find a disease early enough to give you the best chance of overcoming it.

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your health. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on this BLOG. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor.

FOREVER LIVING PRODUCTS FOR GENERAL HEALTH MAINTAINANCE

 Forever Living Products - Proactive Healthcare. Prevent major Brain, Lungs, Heart, Bones, etc. diseases. Stay away from common flue, viruses, etc. FLP is a Fortune 500 MNC (147 countries) since 1978. Excellent Quality & Result Oriented Products with Customer Satisfaction. There is NO MATCH for FLP’s Products, or, its MLM based Mkt Plan.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical conditions. Our products are dietary supplements, food and cosmetics to be used for general health and wellness, nutrition and to cleanse or beautify our customers. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have or think you may have a medical condition, consult a doctor before using new supplement.

We may list potential benefits and positive effects of ingredients contained in a product or based on general knowledge of Biology, reading of scientific literature and studies , as well as personal experience. Natural substances may improve your overall health and appearance  however, no Natural product is guaranteed or proven to cure any all diseases.

Forever Living Products - Proactive Healthcare. Prevent major Brain, Lungs, Heart, Bones, etc. diseases.  Stay away from common flue, viruses, etc.

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