Vim & Vigor - Winter 2013 - Gwinnett Medical Center - (Page 13)

breasts compressed between two plates. But a group of researchers at Wake Forest University found that mammogram pain is mild-similar to the discomfort caused by a pair of tight-fitting shoes or a mild headache. And we all know how often we women choose to wear tight-fighting shoes-certainly more than once a year! So, just remember: A mammogram could save your life. ExcusE I mIght hear bad news "The overwhelming likelihood is that it's not going to be bad news," Lamm says. But if something is wrong, the sooner it's diagnosed, the better. "It's clear that whether you hear about the bad news or not, if you have something bad, it's going to rear its ugly head," he adds. "Whether you see the doctor or not won't change that fact." And here's the bottom line: Screenings identify diseases in their earliest stages, which is when they are most treatable. Women whose breast cancer is detected early have a 98 percent chance of survival five years later, compared with 23 percent for women whose disease is found late. When polyps (precancerous growths) are discovered during a colonoscopy, they can be removed before they develop into cancer. Should colorectal cancer be found during an early screening, patients have a 90 percent chance of survival five years later. Only four out of 10 colorectal cancers are detected early, and once they spread to nearby and distant organs, the survival rate drops to 70 and 12 percent, respectively. no more excuses Sure, there are plenty of "reasons" to skip seeing the doctor. But the truth is, there are few things you can do for your health that offer a greater return on your time investment. And who knows, maybe with a new appreciation for the benefits of tests, you'll start to look forward to these regular screenings. (Hey, there's nothing wrong with a little positive thinking!) i'm taking controL of my heaLth! Let's do this thing! Your Recommended Screenings Now that you're on board with getting your screenings, let's talk specifics. Below is a list of general recommendations for adults. If you have increased risk due to family history or other factors, your doctor will likely recommend a different screening schedule for you. * Blood pressure. At least every two years, starting at age 20. * Cholesterol. Every five years, starting at age 20. * Blood glucose (sugar). Every three years, starting at age 45. * Colonoscopy. Every 10 years, starting at age 50. (Other screening tests are available and have varying frequency recommendations.) * Mammograms (for women). Annually, starting at age 40. Starting in their 20s, women also should have a clinical breast exam as part of their regular well-woman exam, at least every three years. * Pap test (for women). Every three years, or every five years when combined with the human papillomavirus test. * Prostate cancer screening (for men). Starting at age 50, men should have a conversation with their doctors about prostate cancer screening. Sources: American Heart Association, American Cancer Society Wi nter 2013 13

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Winter 2013 - Gwinnett Medical Center

Vim & Vigor - Winter 2013 - Gwinnett Medical Center
Contents
Phil’s Feature
Heartfelt Purpose
Not Too Busy to Beat Cancer
Got Excuses?
Managing Your Health with a DIY Tool Kit
Is It the Stress Talking?
The Wonderful World of Greens
Knee-to-Know Basics
On the Cover
Run for Your Life
14 Good-for-You Gifts
Special Delivery
Virtual Health
PrimeTime Health
Inspired Giving
Heads Full of Hope
Out of the White
Transforming Healthcare

Vim & Vigor - Winter 2013 - Gwinnett Medical Center