Stop Googling your symptoms! Is it time to go see that medical professional? It troubles me when I learn of people who have illnesses in advanced stages. Why ignore signs and symptoms? Since the advent of the internet, we obviously have no excuse to not have access to medical information.
Although I don’t possess an advanced degree in medicine, I believe my nearly 18 years in the pharmaceutical industry has afforded me knowledge. Remember the old cliché knowledge is power.
Information is power when used correctly. One can arm themselves when signs or symptoms develop but review with a qualified medical professional.
What is unsettling to me are the staggering statistics from different people dying from preventable diseases. Is it too much information available that it seems to boggle one’s mind? So much so one gets confused as to what the real issue is.
One of my goals when I launched The Age of Grace was to encourage women to live healthy lives so one can age gracefully. To live a healthy life requires you to do your part, follow suggested routine exam schedules:
Vaccination Recommendations:
- Flu shot- yearly
- Pneumoccal at 65 years
- Tetanus – every 10 years
- Shingles vaccine at 60 years
- Gardail – for women up to 26 years
- Consider Hepatitis B vaccine
It is advised to:
- Seat Belt Use
- Sunscreen Use
- Calcium intake (1000 -1600 mg daily)
- Aerobic exercise at least 30 minutes most days of the week
- Folic Acid – 400 mg for women of childbearing age
- Stop Smoking
- Low fat diet with 5 servings of vegetables and whole grain daily
Health Screening:
Monthly:
- Breast self exam for women
- Testicular self exam
Every 6 months:
- Skin self exam
- Dental exam
Yearly:
- Height and weight
- Blood pressure
- Eye exam
- PSA (prostate screening) test for men over 50, younger if in family history or African American
- Pelvic exam, pap smear and breast exam for women 21 years or older or any sexually active women
- Mamogram start at age 40, younger if in family history
- STD screening if applicable
Every 2 Years:
- Bone density test for postmenopausal women
Every 3 – 5 Years:
- Blood Sugar
- TSH (thyroid screening)
- Cholesterol/lipid panel (more often if risk factors)
- Colorectal Cancer Screen
- Colonoscopy at 50 years, younger if in family history
Are you listening? Your body is talking to you. You should stop googling your symptoms and speak to medical professionals. Take care of yourself today.
Have a fabulous week!
Thank you so much for gathering all this info into an easy to follow list! Simple, but sometimes lifesaving steps.
And a sophisticated, great way to wear a jumpsuit!
Nina,
Hi! I am glad you found the suggested medical check-up schedule helpful. I agree with the list, simple and sometimes lifesaving steps.
Thanks for your kind words regarding the jumpsuit.
A wonderful post, Eugenia! Going to the doctor is a scary thing, but I understand the importance of early prevention. I’m a great lover of living healthy and exercise is a priority in my life. I adore the jumpsuit and how you elevated it with the chic leather sash.
Glenda,
Hi! So nice of you to stop by The Age of Grace. I agree with your comments about a doctor visit can sometimes be scary but prevention really is key to early detection for any disease state.
Thank you for your comments about the jumpsuit, the leather obi belt is about five years old, so nice to put it to use.