Routine Exams
Kaleb Cooper
Importance of Physical Exams
Physical exams are crucial for monitoring your health. Having a physical exam is important to keeping your health at it's fullest because you can keep up on your weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, and other essential vitals.
Blood Pressure Tests
One thing that is very important to do is have a test done to check your blood pressure. If your blood pressure gets too high, you can damage your heart and arteries, and possibly die. If your blood pressure gets too low, you will suffer from symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, irregular thirst, and even fainting. Low blood pressure is not as great of a health concern as high blood pressure, but it still needs to be taken very seriously. To test your blood pressure, look for machines in supermarkets. If you are unable to find a blood pressure test, you need to find one as soon as possible. The average blood pressure of a healthy adult is 120/80.
Prostate Exams
Something that every man needs to consider is a prostate exam. During a prostate exam, a doctor feels your prostate and feels for anything odd. Most prostate exams are done to look for cancer. A man with an average cancer risk should start getting screening at about age 50. However, statistics show that African-American men are at higher risk of prostate cancer, and should begin screening at age 40. Many physicians recommend a yearly visit for a prostate exam.
Pap Smears
A pap smear is something that every woman should consider as well. During a pap smear, a tool is used to gather cells from the opening of the cervix. They are then screened for cancer or any other irregularities. A pap smear is advised to be done for any girl who is sexually active.
Mammograms
A mammogram screening is a low-powered x-ray of the breasts. This helps doctors look for odd lumps or irregularities, such as cancer. To take a mammogram screening, a woman stands in front of an x-ray machine, and a radiologic technician places one breast in between the x-ray plate and a plastic plate. The x-ray spreads the breast tissue to get a better view. The radiologic technician then does this to the other breast and your screening is finished. The average woman should start getting mammogram screenings between the ages of 50 and 74, however if a younger woman notices any breast irregularities she should go to see a doctor.
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