 |
Additional Information
|
|
Preventive screenings and tests save lives. Unfortunately,
many Americans do not routinely follow some basic health
screening recommendations. Routine screenings can identify
a previously undiagnosed condition or risk of condition.
This allows physicians to intervene early with treatments
and therapies to control the condition or inform the individual
of lifestyle changes that can be taken to improve health
outcomes and costs.
For example, screening for high blood pressure and high
blood cholesterol is an important first step in identifying
individuals who are at risk for chronic diseases but may
be undiagnosed. Screening and appropriate follow-up for high
blood pressure and elevated cholesterol can also save the
lives of those at risk for heart disease. Early detection
and treatment for diabetes can improve health, and the CDC
recommends health professionals screen high-risk patients
periodically, even when those individuals are visiting their
doctor for another reason. Such opportunistic screenings
can alert a health professional to troubling results requiring
follow-up care.
Many studies have shown that dietary changes and therapies
can dramatically reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke,
especially when these modifications reduce high blood pressure
and high blood cholesterol. When coupled with lifestyle changes,
these therapies can be even more effective in lowering the
risk of a heart attack or stroke. About 90 percent of all
adults now have their blood pressure measured at least once
every two years. In 1998, only 67 percent of adults had had
their blood cholesterol checked within the preceding five
years. Of the estimated 17 million people with diabetes in
the country, about 5.9 million are undiagnosed. Without effective
diagnosis and treatment, diabetes becomes a leading cause
of blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, and stroke.
There are additional simple, preventive measures many Americans
can take to reduce bad health outcomes. Pneumonia and influenza
are responsible for more than 30,000 deaths among older adults
each year. Immunization can substantially reduce the severity,
risk of hospitalization, and risk of death from these diseases.
Basic preventive health services such as health screenings
are the most important health information Americans can receive
about their current health status. Regular screenings can
motivate individuals to modify their current activities and
behaviors to improve their overall health. And seeking follow-up
care based on basic preventive screenings can save lives.
Every little bit of effort counts:
- Take advantage of basic health screening practices
recommended by your treating
physician or other health professionals. Screening and appropriate
follow-up care for high
blood pressure and elevated cholesterol can save the lives
of those at risk for heart disease
and stroke. Regular screening can detect many forms of cancer
at early, less dangerous
stages.
- Get your blood pressure checked regularly, particularly
if you are a high-risk individual.
Effective blood pressure treatment is easy and reduces
risk of stroke by 40 percent. Easy to
use machines are conveniently located in public places.
- Ask
your doctor about a routine screening for diabetes. Lack
of treatment for diabetes can
lead to blindness, kidney failure, and amputations. Early
detection with treatment can reduce
diabetes-related blindness by up to 90 percent, kidney
failure by up to 50 percent, and
amputations by up to 50 percent.
- Get the appropriate immunizations
each year. In 1999, 33 percent of adults aged 65 or
older reported they did not get a flu shot in the previous
year, and 46 percent reported they
had never been vaccinated against pneumococcal disease.
To read the rest of this great publication from the White
House, please click here: http://www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/fitness/fitness-policy-book.pdf
|
Additional
Information