Prevention

Let's get (a) physical...

Prevention is the best medicine. We recommend that everyone over age 45 receive a physical every year, and if you're under 45, a physical every two years. During your annual physical we test for and can catch problems before they become serious. You will find below some of the common tools that are a part of good preventive care.

Physical Exam:

The technique used by physicians to look for signs of disease. For example, investigation of moles that may be cancerous or a heart murmur that had not previously been detected.

Colon Cancer Screening:

We look for early signs of cancer such as the development of polyps. A colon screening is recommended in all patients 50 and above.

Blood Pressure Check:

This test is yearly and then more frequently if there is a history of hypertension (high blood pressure). Remember, hypertension can increase your risk for a heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure.

Cholesterol:

The importance of checking your cholesterol and treating it are determined by your risk factors for heart attack and stroke.

For Her

Mammograms:

An important screening test used to help women and men detect breast cancer. We recommend starting at age 40 and repeating yearly in addition to the annual physician breast exam.

Self-Breast Exam:

A test usually suggested in females each month to help with early detection of breast cancer. You should watch for the development of any lumps and report these to the doctor.

For Him

PSA Test:

The PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test is a blood test to help detect enlarged prostate glands which could indicate prostate cancer. Because this test is so sensitive, it can help detect prostate cancers too small to be clinically significant.

Self Testicular Exam:

Suggested in males under 50 years old each month to rule out testicular cancer. You should watch out for lumps and report these to the doctor.