While not many people enjoy seeing their doctor, they are your go-to expert for all things health-related. While it can be challenging having to deal with them from time to time, you know that at the end of the day, you can rely on your doctor for anything, such as a referral to TMJ therapy, getting proper vaccinations, and so much more. But what about when it comes to health screenings?
Sure, there is the annual check-up that everyone should do, but checking your height, weight, and blood pressure isn’t all too helpful if you think about it. Sometimes, those screenings truly detect what’s happening in the body. So, here are four health screenings you can get and should look into at your next appointment.
Colon cancer screenings
Whether you are concerned about your family’s history of colon cancer or want to know if you are at risk, you should talk to your doctor. They can help you determine what screenings are appropriate for you. Whether you need a colonoscopy or a stool test depends on several factors, including your age and your family history of cancer. For the most part, you can expect your GP to send you to a specialist if you need a colonoscopy or a stool-based test. While they will only refer you, they are open to allowing you to have a test or a check-up with a specialist to see if it’s truly necessary.
Osteoporosis screenings
If you’re hitting a certain age, then this is a screening that you shouldn’t ignore. Almost 20 percent of women and 5 percent of men over age 50 suffer from osteoporosis, a bone disease that causes bones to become weak. Often called a “silent disease,” osteoporosis does not cause symptoms until it causes a fracture. While this doesn’t sound too serious, it’s a major deal, and doctors will closely monitor their older patients for this.
The most effective way to diagnose osteoporosis is through bone density tests. These tests use low-level x-rays to measure the density of your bones. These tests can be performed in less than 15 minutes. They will also identify whether you are at risk for fractures. Other bone screening tests are also recommended for specific groups of people. These tests include dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), a noninvasive, quick test that measures the density of bones in the spine and hip. Overall, you can count on a GP to help you get this screening; if you’re over 50 years old, you’ll especially need the screening.
Cholesterol screenings
A cholesterol screening can be a great way to detect problems with high cholesterol. It can also help you decide whether or not to take cholesterol medicines. The American Heart Association recommends screening for cholesterol at least every four to six years, starting at age 20. More frequent testing may be recommended if you have high blood pressure, a family history of heart disease, or other risk factors. This screening doesn’t even need to send to a specialist, maybe a local lab at best. A blood test does this, and it will measures total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol. In addition, your doctor may want to test your triglyceride levels.
Blood glucose screenings
While colon cancer and osteoporosis screenings need to be done by a specialist, this can be done right at the GP’s office. Blood glucose screenings are a great way to detect diabetes and other health conditions before complications become severe. This test can help you determine the type of diabetes and identify the underlying cause of your disease.
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