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Schedule It
and click on “Living Healthier.”
Get the Heart Truth
Cardiovascular disease is the
biggest health problem in the
U.S. Most people don’t know they
have a problem until a cardiac
event happens. The good news is
that these complications can be
prevented through screening. The
Dare to C.A.R.E. program offers free
cardiovascular screenings, which
include a blood pressure check, non-
invasive examination of the carotid
arteries and abdominal aorta, and
an evaluation of circulation in the
legs. This free screening is offered
at AAMC as well as medical offices
in Bowie, Kent Island and Odenton.
Visit
DaretoCARE.us
to learn more.
stay well. You can keep your immunizations
up-to-date, which may help you avoid
illnesses such as the flu and shingles.
Your doctor may suggest screening tests
that may catch health problems early,
when they might be easier—and possibly
less expensive—to treat.
3.
Know when to seek help.
According to the American College
of Physicians, many minor medical
problems, such as a cold, correct
themselves or improve in a matter of days.
However, if you don’t get better or if
you’re not sure whether you need help,
seek professional advice. And always get
immediate help for a medical emergency.
4.
Ask about generic medications.
Generic drugs cost less and have the
same purity, strength and quality as their
brand-name counterparts, according to
the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Assistance programs may be available
if you can’t afford your medications. Ask
your pharmacist for details.
Whatever you do, don’t decide on
your own to stop taking your medicine. If
you’re worried about the cost—or any other
aspect of your care—talk to your doctor.
Need a primary care provider?
AAMC has many physicians in your
community. For a referral, call
our askAAMC nurse advice line
at
443-481-4000
.
Costs Down
It’s easy to think you can skip
regular health screenings if you’re
in good health or your results
have always been normal. But
screening tests can help find
diseases early—often before they
cause symptoms. And usually
the earlier a disease is found,
the easier it is to treat. Here
are some major screening tests
recommended for most healthy
adults at average risk. Be sure to
check with your doctor to see if
these schedules work for you.
The following screenings are a
good idea for everyone. Women
should talk with their doctors
about screenings such as Pap
tests, mammograms and bone
density scans. Men should
speak with their doctors about
screenings for abdominal aortic
aneurysm and prostate cancer,
among others.
Screenings: Appointments Worth Keeping
Screening
Ages
18–39
Ages
40–49
Ages
50–64
Ages 65
and older
Blood pressure
At least
every
2
years
At least
every 2
years
At least
every 2
years
At least every 2 years
Cholesterol
Every 5
years
starting at
age 20
Every 5
years
Every 5
years
Every 5 years
High-sensitivity fecal
occult blood test (FOBT)*
Yearly
Yearly until age 75; after that,
discuss with your doctor
Flexible sigmoidoscopy*
Every 5
years
Every 5 years until age 75; after
that, discuss with your doctor
Colonoscopy*
Every 10
years
Every 10 years until age 75; after
that, discuss with your doctor
Diabetes
Discuss
with
your doctor
Start at
age 45;
then every
3
years
Every 3
years
Every 3 years
Skin exam
(
for cancer)
Monthly self-exam; by a doctor as part of a routine full checkup starting
at age 20
*
One of three methods for colorectal screening. Ask your doctor what’s right for you.
Sources: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; American Cancer Society; American Diabetes Association;
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; U.S. Preventive Services Task Force