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Access to screenings
Access to nutritious foods
Screening disparities
Self-advocacy tips
- Ask questions. It’s important that all patients feel comfortable with their health care teams and ask questions. Ask what you can do to lower your risk of specific diseases and conditions. Be honest about how you are feeling.
- Gather family history. Talk with relatives about their health. Documenting your family health history can help you and your health care team understand if you have an increased risk of developing certain conditions that are present in your family.
- Seek a second opinion if necessary. Don’t be afraid to get another opinion if you feel that your concerns aren’t heard or addressed fully.
- Access virtual care. Ask your health care team about virtual care options to make getting the care you need easier, especially if transportation, work or child care is a barrier.
- Get vaccinated. Vaccines aren’t just for kids. They also protect against many diseases and conditions for adults, including influenza and COVID-19. Your health care team will recommend which vaccines are right for you based on your age, prior vaccinations, health, lifestyle, david city discount pharmacy occupation, travel destination and sexual activity.
Screening recommendations
- Blood pressure: This should be less than 120/80 for most adults. Ask how often your blood pressure should be checked.
- Breast cancer: It is recommended that women have a mammogram every year starting at age 40. Additional testing may be recommended based on family history, the density of breast tissue and mammogram results.
- Cervical cancer: For women, the recommendation is to have a Pap smear and HPV testing every three to five years starting at age 21. An HPV vaccination is recommended starting at age 11 through 26. Some people may qualify for the HPV vaccine through age 45 based on shared decision-making with their health care teams.
- Cholesterol: Starting at age 18, have your cholesterol checked every four to six years. Some people who have more risk factors need to get their cholesterol checked more often.
- Colon cancer: Screening is recommended starting at age 45. If you choose a colonoscopy, it is generally repeated every 10 years if no abnormalities are found and you don’t have an increased risk of colon cancer. A colonoscopy also may be recommended earlier if there is a family history of colon cancer diagnosis in your first-degree relatives. There are other forms of screening available, including kits that are mailed right to your house. Talk to your health care team to find out which option is best for you.
- Diabetes: If you have high blood pressure, are overweight or have a strong family history of diabetes, you should be screened for diabetes every three years. Starting at age 35, the recommendation is to be screened every three years.
- Lung cancer: Screening is recommended for current or past smokers between the ages of 50 and 80 who have a heavy smoking history.
- Osteoporosis: Women should be screened beginning at age 65, or younger if at increased risk.
- Prostate cancer: Men should be screened after shared decision-making with their health care teams. Factors such as age and family history should be considered. This can start as early as 40 in the African American population.
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