The Glendale Star
20
December 23, 2021
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Time to be proactive, knowledgeable about health BY GLENDALE STAR STAFF Adelante Healthcare is urging Arizonans not to wait until the new year to make doctor’s appointments and to get screened for various diseases. There are 12 screenings that adults should be made aware of, some of which are overlooked. “Early prevention and detection can save lives,” said Pedro Cons, chief executive officer of Adelante Healthcare. “In 2021 alone, our providers screened 12,567 patients for cervical cancer and 5,478 for colorectal cancer. Studies have found that there’s a much greater survival rate for patients when cancer is caught early.” Adelante Healthcare has nine locations throughout the state, including Buckeye, Goodyear and Peoria. Each facility is multilingual, accepts AHCCCS and has certified application advisers to help patients obtain low-cost health insurance to meet their budget and personal needs. Nobody is turned away for financial or insurance reasons. In the spirit of Christmas, here are 12 essential screenings.
tack or stroke. Experts recommend adults who are overweight and between the ages of 35 and 70 be screened for Type 2 diabetes. It’s estimated that 1 in 3 Americans have prediabetes, which can eventually cause kidney damage, often leading to dialysis, eye damage, or an increased risk for heart disease or stroke if left untreated.
Dental exam biannually
Everyone should visit a dentist for a routine dental exam, oral cancer screening and cleaning every six months, including children beginning at 1 year of age. Gum disease can lead to loss of teeth and a multitude of health complications, including diabetes, heart disease and stroke. And unfilled cavities can cause extreme pain, infection and tooth loss.
Immunizations (including flu shot and COVID-19 Adults over the age of 18 should have vaccination)
Cholesterol screening
Children and adolescents should have their cholesterol checked at least once between ages 9 and 11 and again between ages 17 and 21. Healthy adults should have their cholesterol tested every four years, and more often over the age of 40. High cholesterol may have no symptoms but can cause a heart at-
Arizona is one of the sunniest states in the country, so everyone should be screened annually for skin cancer, regardless of race or skin tone. Unfortunately, most people aren’t diagnosed with skin cancer until it’s reached a later stage and is more difficult to treat.
Diabetes screening
Blood pressure screening
their blood pressure checked every two to five years, in most cases. However, those older than 40 should have annual blood pressure screenings. Untreated blood pressure issues can lead to stroke, heart disease, heart attack and kidney failure.
Skin checks for cancer
Doctors recommend everyone 6 months and older receive an annual flu shot. Likewise, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is urging all people over 5 years old to get vaccinated against COVID-19. A recent study shows that unvaccinated people are 20 times more likely to experience COVID-19-associated death, versus fully vaccinated people.
Infectious disease screening
There are multiple sexually transmitted diseases that adults should be screened for, including chlamydia, HIV, gonorrhea and syphilis, to name a few. Sexually active adults are urged
to be tested regularly, especially those with more than one partner. STDs left untreated can lead to serious complications, including death.
Breast cancer/mammogram and cervical cancer screenings for women
The American Cancer Society recommends women receive their first mammogram by age 40 and to continue screening annually. Cervical cancer screenings should begin at the age of 21 and be done every three years until age 30, then every five years, and/ or with a PAP smear every three years.
Colon cancer screening
Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the United States for men and women. Screenings should begin at the age of 45 using recommended screening tests.
Prostate cancer screening
Men should begin getting prostate cancer screenings at age 55, if no one in the immediate family has a history of prostate cancer. Then it’s recommended to continue screenings every year to two years depending on results.
Depression screening/mental health check
Depression affects nearly 10% of the population and is one of the leading causes of suicide. Doctors recommend all adults and adolescents between 12 and 18 years old be screened for depression annually.
Annual physicals for the whole family
Once a year, everyone, including babies, toddlers, children, teens and adults, should get a well check. Doctors will inspect hearts, breathing, height, weight, ears, blood pressure and more during these visits. Adults will also have routine blood work drawn to check for cholesterol, electrolyte levels, hydration status, liver function, kidney function and blood cell values. Adolescent care visits should be scheduled for newborn babies through 15 months old and well checks for children and adolescents up to 21 years of age. “You may not be able to put a bow on it, but there is no better gift than the gift of good health and longevity,” Cons said. “Taking the time to visit doctors and receive the appropriate screenings for your age group is the best gift you can give yourself and your loved ones this holiday season.”
