Four Medical Exams That You Shouldn’t Skip

By Author: Dr. Victor Marchione
Total Articles: 90
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Many people, according to research, avoid medical exams. This is understandable, of course. What’s to like about a medical exam? However, they could reveal problems when they are still manageable and something can be done about them.
Taking the approach of waiting for something serious to happen before visiting the doctor doesn’t really make sense. Why not keep up to date with where you are as far as your health is concerned? That way, you can be proactive about any problems that show up at a doctor’s exam. You’ll have choices about what you want to do, and you’ll be able to decide how best to protect your health so that you can enjoy life to the fullest.
With that in mind, here are four tests that you should consider getting on a regular basis.

1. Get an Eye Exam
According to the American Optometric Association, the average adult 60 years or younger should have an eye exam every two to three years. After age 60, you’ll probably want to have your eyes checked every year. Of course, if you have diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of vision problems, you should be examined ...
... at least once every one to two years.
An eye doctor will check for early symptoms of “glaucoma” (an increased pressure in the eye that leads to vision loss), “macular degeneration” (deterioration of the retina) and cataracts (clouding of the lenses).

2. Get a Dental Exam
Although annual dental examinations are often recommended, there are no firm guidelines on how often adults should get dental exams. Some experts recommend going to the dentist once every six months, while others say once a year is enough. You’ll want to make sure that you take special care to brush and floss daily to maintain the health of your teeth and gums, of course, but how often you visit your dentist is up to you.
Some men will need to see the dentist more often than others. For example, men who smoke or chew tobacco, as well as men with diabetes, a history of cavities or HIV infection may need more frequent dental visits because they are more at risk of developing problems.
Find a dentist that you are comfortable with, and if you are covered by insurance, consider going once every six months for a cleaning and quick check-up.

3. Get Your Blood Pressure Checked
Getting your blood pressure checked is a simple procedure. The doctor places an inflatable cuff around your arm that can detect high blood pressure. Knowing if you have high blood pressure before complications such as a heart attack or stroke occur is definitely the best way to go.
Doctors recommend that once you reach the age of 18, you should have your blood pressure checked — it’s as simple as that. If your blood pressure is normal (less than 140/90), you should have it rechecked in one to two years, according to the National High Blood Pressure Education program. However, if your blood pressure is found to be high, it should be rechecked in one to two months.
You and your doctor will determine a plan to treat your high blood pressure if your blood pressure does not drop in that time period.

4. Have a Cholesterol Test Done
A cholesterol blood test, including total cholesterol, “LDL” (bad) cholesterol and “HDL” (good) cholesterol, can help evaluate your risk for getting heart disease. Beginning at age 20, you should be tested every five years — assuming that your results are within desirable ranges — according to the National Cholesterol Education Program. As you get older, you should test your levels more frequently just to be aware of any changes. If you have a family history of heart disease, your doctor may recommend more frequent testing.
Lowering high cholesterol could be as simple as making some dietary changes and getting some exercise.
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