Your good health depends upon the preventive health measures you establish and follow every day. To maintain your health, we recommend that you keep your weight normal for your height, avoid tobacco products and exercise three times a week. In addition, we have listed a number of health concerns below and the suggested screening schedule. Early detection is the key in obtaining the best outcomes for your health. If you have any questions, please discuss them with us during your visit. And remember, Prevention is the best cure.

Coronary Heart Disease is hardening of the arteries around the heart. During your physical exam, your blood pressure, cholesterol and sugar will be checked since these problems are associated with early onset of heart problems. Routine heart testing begins at about age 35 years old and is done during your annual physical exam.

Cholesterol testing is an important aspect of evaluating your health. We can test for both the "good" type and the "bad" type of cholesterol which can help to determine your risk of heart disease or stroke.

Hypertension is an elevation in your blood pressure and can directly effect the health of your heart and arteries. You should have your blood pressure checked annually. If you have high blood pressure, always take your medicine and limit your sodium intake..

Breast Cancer is best treated by early detection. A monthly
self-exam should be performed about one week after menstruation and the first mammogram is recommended at age 35. Beginning at age 40, the mammogram is done every two years and annually after age 50. For additional information, please review:

10 Easy Steps and Techniques for
Monthly Breast Self-Exam

Colorectal cancer is one of the most frequent cancers and is screened by a stool test for blood. Beginning at age 40, an annual stool test is done and after age 50, the colon scope exam is performed. If a tumor or polyp is found, you may need more frequent testing.

Cervical cancer has become less frequent since the Pap smear was developed. Beginning at age 18 years old or when you become sexually active, the Pap test is done annually to detect the early changes of cervical cancer. This test is done with a pelvic exam to ensure the uterus and ovaries are normal as well.

Lung cancer is still one of the most frequent cancers in spite of the nationwide efforts to get people to quit smoking. We recommend a baseline chest x-ray and pulmonary testing at age 35 but we ask everyone who continues to smoke to enroll in a program to quit the use of tobacco products as soon as possible.

Sun cancer can be avoided by using sun-blocker creams and staying out of the sun as much as possible. Any change in a wart or mole should be brought to the attention of your doctor for treatment.

Testicular cancer is one of the most common non-leukemic cancers in young men. From the age of 15 until 40, men should exam themselves monthly and have the doctor exam the testicles annually to detect early testicular tumors.

Prostate cancer is becoming more common as men live longer. The prostate should be examined annually after the age of 40 and there is a new blood test for prostate cancer which is performed with your annual physical.

Osteoporosis develops in everyone as the body ages. To help prevent the danger of broken bones and spinal curvature, exercise and a diet rich in calcium and Vitamin D is recommended. Bone density testing is available for women at the time of menopause and regularly thereafter to ensure healthy bone structure.

Depression is much more common than once believed. If you or a member of your family has exhibited a change in personality or has withdrawn from social contacts or activities, please ask your doctor for advice.

AIDS testing has become a routine part of our lives and it is very important you practice safe sex. Young people need to understand the risks and a visit to the doctor for an exam and consultation is appropriate if your children may have become sexually active.

Nutrition and Diet has become one of the most important personal health issues in the last 10 years. We all consume too many calories and carbohydrates. For good health, it is best to follow a low-calorie and balanced diet everyday which combined with a regular exercise program. We recommend you take a Centrum® vitamin and fiber supplements daily for your good health. Please ask your doctor for further information on ways you can help prevent some disease and cancer with proper diet supplements. Also review the following information:

Guidelines for Low Cholesterol,
Low Triglyceride Diets

Immunizations are now available for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Pneumonia, as well as tetanus, measles and polo. Make sure your family is immunized.

Remember to stay healthy, you should:

• Follow a healthy diet plan
• Maintain a normal body weight
• Avoid tobacco products
• Exercise at least three times a week
• Have a health check-up once a year