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» A AMC MAGA Z I N E | SP R I NG 2 0 1 2
Your Tuneup
Check out more details at
anImageWorthTaking.com
.
Lungs
Following the criteria set by the
National Lung Screening Trial (NLST),
this low-dose CT Scan provides the
best way to detect lung cancer before
symptoms appear. If you are a current
or former smoker between 55 and 74,
talk to your doctor to find out if you
may benefit from screening.
Breasts
A screening mammogram, an x-ray
picture of the breast, checks for breast
cancer before there are any signs or
symptoms of the disease. If you are a
woman age 40 or older, your doctor
will encourage this screening on a
regular basis.
Bones
A bone density scan, also called DXA
(dual energy x-ray absorptiometry),
is one of the most accurate ways to
diagnose osteopenia or osteoporosis.
Your doctor may recommend a
screening depending on age, family
history or other lifestyle issues.
Heart
Fatty deposits, known as coronary
artery plaque, form years before the
first symptoms of heart disease. In
this quick CT (computed tomography)
Scan of the heart, you remain fully
clothed. It can give you and your
doctor information to guide you
toward better health decisions.
Picture It
An
Image
Worth Taking
Scans Help Detect
Health Issues Early
No one wants to think about having a
serious health issue such as heart attack,
cancer or osteoporosis. But it’s better to
think about it and try to prevent these
conditions now than to treat them after
they happen.
One of the best preventive measures is
to see your doctor regularly and follow
recommendations for screenings. Check
out highlights of four imaging studies
(at left) that you and your doctor should
consider depending on your risks.
These screenings are offered at
Anne Arundel Diagnostics Imaging.
Mammography and bone density tests
are covered by many insurance plans.
Both the heart scan, often called
calcium scoring, and the lung screenings
are available to those at highest risk
(based on health history and other
factors identified in partnership with
your doctor).
Listen to Your Body
Seeing a doctor regularly, not just
when you aren’t feeling right, helps
you identify issues before you develop
a health problem. If you don’t have
a primary care provider, talk to your
friends or family for a recommendation.
AAMC can also help. We have more than
200 family doctors, internal medicine
specialists and pediatricians connected
to our health system.
Not smoking is one of the best ways to prevent lung cancer. If you need help quitting, call
443-481-5555
.