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AUGUST 30, 2004
Checkup Checklist Monitoring becomes more important as the years pile up. What counts is spotting trouble early With exotic gene-based diagnostics and advanced imaging, you can test for plenty of diseases. But should you? Most experts are against full-body MRIs, which pick up minuscule abnormalities that probably won't cause trouble. Instead, they recommend knowing your risk factors -- diseases in the family, lifestyle choices such as smoking, and environmental exposures -- and screening accordingly. Beyond that, the important thing is to pay attention to these common tests: Blood-Sugar Test Measures the level of glucose in the blood after an eight-hour fast Why? Screens for diabetes When? Every three years, starting at age 45 Body Measurement Height, weight, waist measurement, and body-mass index Why? To determine if you're overweight When? Every two years after age 20 Colonoscopy Various tests examine the colon Why? To detect cancer and growths that may become cancerous When? Every 5 to 10 years, starting at age 50, depending on doctor's recommendation Blood Pressure Measures the amount of pressure the heart generates when beating (systolic) and at rest (diastolic) Why? Detects hypertension When? At least every two years after age 20 Electrocardiogram Electrodes read the heart's electrical impulses Why? Can detect heart conditions such as irregular rhythm When? If you are at high risk of heart disease Skin exam Doctor looks for irregular moles Why? Suspicious lesions can signal skin cancer When? Should always be part of a regular checkup Cholesterol Test Blood test that measures "bad" and "good" cholesterol levels Why? High cholesterol can raise the risk of heart attack When? Starting at age 45, every five years C-Reactive Protein Blood test to detect levels of CRP, produced by the liver in response to injury or infection Why? High CRP levels can indicate cardiovascular disease and can be a better predictor than high cholesterol levels When? Necessary only in the presence of known risk factors for heart disease FOR WOMEN Pap Test Cervix cells removed with cotton swab and inspected Why? To detect cancer of the cervix When? Every three years Mammogram An X-ray of the breast tissue Why? Detects lumps that could be cancerous When? Every two years, starting at age 50 FOR MEN Prostate Cancer Screening A digital rectal exam and/or a blood test for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) Why? To check for prostate enlargement or cancer When? Should be considered at age 50 
BW MALL
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