Put Your Health To The Test: Staying Well At Every Age and Every Stage

When is the last time you went to the doctor? Most people think the only time to see the doctor is when they are sick. Not so, says Ramona Zak, M.D.

“You should see your doctor at least once a year, when you are well, for a routine check-up and to discuss any questions and concerns,” said Dr. Zak, a family practitioner at Gottlieb. “When you are sick, you’re not really in the best position to take the time to address overall health issues. You’re just focused on that quick fix.”

10,000 mile check-up

Men especially are less likely to visit their physicians for regular screenings. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) men are 25 percent less likely than women to have visited a physician within the past year and are 38 percent more likely than women to have neglected acting on the results of their cholesterol tests. Subsequently, men are 1.5 times more likely than women to die from heart disease, cancer, and chronic lower respiratory diseases. “Many men respond well to the analogy of servicing their health just as they would service their car, with benchmark performance tests based on mileage,” said Dr. Zak. “Most men take better care of their cars than they do their own bodies.”

Many male-related illnesses, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, infertility and colon cancer could be detected—–and successfully treated—if they were discovered earlier. Almost five million men in America have low testosterone levels, which can inhibit bone strength, hair growth, sexual drive and mood. Men over 50 should have yearly screenings for prostate cancer as well as stool tests for colon cancer. And every five years, a sigmoidoscopy screening for polyps or colon cancer is recommended for those with average risk. Men should perform regular self-screenings for testicular cancer.

Women are often the gatekeepers for the health of their families and are encouraged to monitor their husband’s health as closely as they do their children’s or their own.

Family matters

“With children, it is easy to get in the habit of taking them to the doctor regularly because of the need for vaccinations and school- and sports-related physicals,” said Dr. Zak, noting the visits are important for other reasons as well. “A doctor can evaluate the child’s development against benchmarks, such as delays in speech or motor skills, that, when caught early, have better outcomes.” With the rise in obesity and poor eating habits, many physicians are making a point to check cholesterol levels at all ages— even in children. “The cholesterol test is one that many people overlook and it is an important indicator of potential disease. I had my cholesterol level checked yearly as a child because high cholesterol ran in my family,” said Dr. Zak. If a child is obese, a cholesterol check is recommended, otherwise a regular test is recommended starting at age 21. Sharing your family history of illness and disease is critical. “Your parents’ illnesses and those of your children are the most indicative of your own health,” said Dr. Zak. There are recommended guidelines for tests based on age, but if a family history is present, tests may be needed earlier or more frequently.

Certain checks are performed with every doctor visit, such as weight and measurement. “With the rise of obesity, charting your BMI (Body Mass Index) can help prevent many diseases including diabetes and heart attacks,” she said. Taking a temperature, establishing a blood pressure count and listening to the heart often provide indications of potential disease.

Girl talk

Most women are aware of the importance of an annual mammogram, usually beginning at age 40. Gottlieb’s new digital mammography offers crisp, clear images that help facilitate early detection. A bone density test, detecting osteoporosis, can also be scheduled through the mammography department. “Women are more likely to be affected by osteoporosis and, detected early, can be treated through medication, supplements, diet and execise,” said Dr. Zak.

One critical test that Dr. Zak feels is often overlooked among women is a thyroid test. “Many female patients complain of feeling tired or experience dramatic changes in their weight and the thyroid is often found to be out of balance,” she said. This imbalance is usually corrected with medication.