New Year, New You: 5 Health Screenings You Shouldn't Skip

We believe one of the best New Year’s resolutions you can make is to take control of your health. While taking a trip to our office for tests and screenings probably doesn't sound too appealing, especially if you feel fine, preventive health care helps catch diseases and illnesses in their earliest stages.

So, in this month’s blog, our team of internal medicine experts, led by Elaine Phuah, DO, MBA, FACOI, and Leon Tio, DO, MA, FACOI, at Clover Internal Medicine Associates in Fort Worth, Texas, wants to review five of those vital screenings that can protect your health.

1. Physical exam

A physical exam is a great way to get a read on your general health. We begin the physical by reviewing your personal and family health history and making any necessary updates. Knowing your risk factors for certain diseases gives us the information we need for effective care.

The exam is comprehensive, meaning we check your height and weight and evaluate other essential factors such as heart sounds, lung function, and reflexes. Depending on your age and current health, we might also recommend Pap smears or prostate checks during your physical.

This physical assessment gives us essential information about your current health and potential problems, such as elevated blood pressure. We also use this time to review and update vaccines as necessary or schedule other screening tests. 

2. Cholesterol levels

High cholesterol with plaque buildup is a top cause of heart disease and stroke; however, it doesn’t present with any symptoms. So, it’s essential to get your cholesterol levels checked regularly before high cholesterol can cause hidden damage. 

We check your cholesterol levels through a blood test. Guidelines recommend screening every 4-6 years starting at age 20. However, if you’re at a higher risk for the condition, you may need more frequent checks. 

3. Blood pressure reading

Similar to high cholesterol, high blood pressure (hypertension) is a condition that doesn’t present with symptoms. If not treated, elevated blood pressure increases your risk of serious health complications, including heart disease and stroke. 

You can expect a blood pressure check every time you come in for a sick visit. However, we also recommend blood pressure checks every two years after turning 18, more frequently if your risk is higher. 

4. Diabetes screening 

Most guidelines recommend regular screenings for diabetes at age 45, even if you are at a healthy weight and don’t have other risk factors. However, if you are overweight, have symptoms of diabetes, or have a family history of diabetes, you will likely need screenings sooner. 

A diabetes screening starts with a simple blood test that checks the amount of glucose in your blood. A more advanced blood test (A1C) can tell us your average blood sugar levels over the past three months.

Even if your blood sugar isn’t high enough for an actual diabetes diagnosis, elevated levels (prediabetes) can be reversed with lifestyle changes such as improved diet and routine exercise.  

5. Cancer screenings

There are a few different types of cancer that require regular screenings, some of which are gender specific.

Both men and women need regular skin checks to detect skin cancer. A skin exam is typically part of a physical exam, but should occur more frequently if you have elevated risk factors and any time you notice a concerning skin growth. 

Screening colonoscopies typically begin at age 45 and then once every 10 years to assess for colorectal cancer. Abnormalities spotted during a colonoscopy require further assessment and more frequent screenings.  

Scheduling other cancer screenings (i.e., prostate, breast, cervical) depends on your age and risk factors. At Clover Internal Medicine, we carefully review these requirements and recommend timing for them as part of an annual physical exam.

To learn more about any of our health screenings or to schedule an appointment, simply call our office or use our online booking feature today.