Anyone who receives periodic health screenings can adjust his diet, exercise program and lifestyle to reverse many problems. Blood work is a common type of health screening, but there are also X-rays, body scans, pelvic screenings, bone density testing and liver testing, among others. Basic blood work is the starting point, but a patient's history and physical complaints can prompt other screenings.
Lab work can reveal a lot of information.
Basic Health Screening
Basic screenings include a total cholesterol reading, blood glucose and blood pressure readings, and weight and height measurements. This information provides a good overview of general health. Every doctor also will visually assess a patient and ask questions to decide if additional testing might be indicated.
Intermediate Screening Package
An intermediate screening includes everything in a basic screening, but includes the patient's HDL or "good" cholesterol and reveals her coronary risk ratio. A high reading signifies protection against a heart attack and a low reading indicates more risk. An intermediate screening is indicated for any person who is obviously overweight, under a lot of psychological stress, or a smoker.
Advanced Health Screening
This screening involves information collected for a basic screening, but includes readings for HDL cholesterol, LDL or "bad" cholesterol and triglycerides. LDL can slowly build up in the inner walls of the arteries that feed the heart and brain. With other substances, it can form plaque in arterial walls. Triglycerides are a form of fat made in the body. High levels indicate impending or existing diabetes and/or heart disease.
Additional Screenings
Other screenings can be added onto a basic screening or performed alone. Individual blood panels or medical assessments are available for a number of issues, including liver disease, diabetes, prostate abnormalities, bone density, pulmonary (lung) function, basic vision or hearing problems, skin cancer and necessary immunizations. Patients need to mention any problems they think warrant further screenings.
Age-related Screenings
Anyone older than 50 should have a thorough colon health screening. Males should have a screening for prostate cancer as well. Older females should have screenings for breast cancer and cancer of the female reproductive organs. Additional follow up screenings for colon, breast and pelvic health should be spaced out annually, semi-annually or whenever a doctor decides. Family history or other factors can indicate specific screenings for individuals or more frequent screenings.
Personal Accountability
No patient should rely on the calendar to schedule screenings. Everyone should monitor her own body to stay aware of chest pain, breathing problems, joint problems, or changes in bowel or bladder habits. Waiting for a regularly scheduled appointment can exacerbate problems or allow life-threatening problems to intensify.
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