Preventative Health Screening
What is a preventative health screening?
A preventive health screening is a comprehensive examination where a healthcare provider conducts various medical tests to assess your risk for diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. While learning about potential risks might seem daunting, early awareness allows you to take proactive steps to prevent long-term health issues.
What happens during a preventative health screening?
At Cohen Care, a preventive health screening involves gathering detailed medical and family histories, conducting a physical examination, measuring blood pressure, and performing blood tests. The blood tests include:
Blood sugar or A1C check
Cholesterol test
A healthcare provider is shown taking a patient’s blood pressure with a traditional monitor as part of a basic health screening.
What illnesses or conditions are associated with a preventative health screening?
A preventive health screening can help identify risks for conditions such as:
Diabetes
Heart damage, including heart attacks and heart failure
Kidney damage
Lung damage
Stroke
Understanding these risks enables your Cohen Care provider to guide you in making lifestyle changes, including adjustments in diet, exercise, and smoking cessation, to mitigate or prevent these potential issues.
Why is blood pressure important?
Blood pressure measures how hard your heart is working to pump blood through your body. It is expressed as a ratio of two numbers. A blood pressure reading above 120/80 mm Hg can elevate your risk for many of the diseases detected in a preventive health screening.
Why is body weight important?
Excessive body weight increases the risk of certain diseases. Cohen Care providers can measure your weight and assist in designing a weight management plan. Losing just 5 to 10% of your body weight can significantly reduce the risk of many long-term health problems.
While weight loss may seem challenging, with support, you can achieve a healthier lifestyle.
Why is blood sugar important?
Blood sugar levels determine the risk of developing diabetes. Cohen Care providers can assess your blood sugar using two different tests: one measures direct blood sugar levels, while the other, called A1C, indicates average blood sugar levels over the previous three months.
High blood sugar can be addressed through diet and exercise. If needed, medications can be prescribed. Early awareness of high blood sugar helps prevent the long-term consequences of diabetes.
Why is cholesterol important?
High cholesterol typically lacks symptoms until it becomes a serious issue. Checking cholesterol levels through a simple blood test provides an early indication of your risk for certain diseases, allowing you to take preventive measures such as dietary changes, exercise, and prescription medications before serious health problems arise.