Include Good Health On Your Calendar For 2010
by Cigna Medical Group

With the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, many people forget to stop and take time for themselves. While a day at the spa or a day outdoors golfing is a good way to take time for yourself, scheduling important medical screenings can prevent serious illness and perhaps save your life.

“The key to staying healthy is being proactive and inquiring about preventive measures that will enhance your well being,” says Dreana Janssen, D.O., family practice with Cigna Medical Group. “If you are aware of a family history of disease or think you may be at high-risk for a particular condition, preventive care, early detection, and early intervention are really the best medicine. And in terms of your health, routine physician visits are well worth any hassle.”
As the New Year begins, Janssen suggests this healthy resolution: schedule regularly planned check-ups and tests for every member of the family. Provided below is a basic checklist of screening recommendations. Based on your history, your health care provider may recommend changes.
 
Adults’ Health Checklist
~ A Tetanus-diphtheria (Td) shot every 10 years and a Pneumonia vaccine once for people aged 65 or older and for those with chronic conditions such as diabetes, lung disease or heart disease. Other immunizations depend on age and occupation such as health care workers and members of the military, as well as on your general health.

~ Cholesterol test every five years beginning at age 20 for men and women.

~ Blood pressure test every one to two years or as your physician advises.

~ Some type of screening test for colon cancer such as a flexible sigmiodoscopy or colonoscopy at ages 50 and older.

~ Pap smears at least every three years for women ages 19-64 if sexually active. Women ages 65 and older may discontinue if prior Pap tests were consistently normal.

~ An annual mammogram for women ages 40 and older.

~ Diabetes testing for people ages 45 years or older and every three years for persons with a history of gestational diabetes.

~ Hearing and vision screening for people ages 65 and older or as your physician advises.
 
Children’s Health Checklist:
~  From birth to age 18, regular immunizations and checkups. A pediatric calendar of check-ups and immunizations can be found at www.cdc.gov and www.aap.org.

“Remember, you are the only one who knows how you feel,” says Janssen. “Taking an active and responsible role in your health care is vital to keeping you healthy.”  K&S

For more information about Cigna Medical Group and the services they offer, please visit www.CignaMedicalGroup.com.