Make your health a priority in 2019. One of the first steps to optimal health and wellness starts with annual screenings.
As Pediatric and Internal Medicine providers, respectively, Drs. Samantha Lowe and Michael Zuckman of White Plains Hospital Medical & Wellness in Armonk see to the well-being of patients at all stages of life. Part of that care includes providing age-appropriate screenings to ensure optimal health and wellness. Here’s a brief but comprehensive summary of the things you should be checking for – both for you and your family members – through the years.
Birth to Pre-teens
Recommended screenings for newborns and children include testing for congenital problems, monitoring growth and development, hearing and vision screenings, and immunization updates.
Teenage Years
Dr. Lowe recommends screening for mental health problems, beginning in the teen years when issues commonly start. Updating immunizations; educating teens about the risks of tobacco, drug, and alcohol use, as well as about the prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases are also all essential. Additional vaccinations are also required for students heading off to college and living in a dorm.
20s and 30s
At this stage of life, young adults should be monitored for hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol through routine doctor visits, which should not be ignored. Cervical cancer screenings for women and testicular cancer screenings for men should also be included.
In the 40s
In addition to continuing screenings begun earlier in life, patients should begin screening for glaucoma. Women should begin screening for breast cancer, and both men and women at average risk should begin screening for colorectal cancer by age 45 – five years earlier if you are at higher risk.
In the 50s
All previous screenings and tests should be maintained, and men should begin screening for prostate cancer. Those in higher risk groups should begin prostate cancer screening at 45.
Ages 60 and Older
Regular screenings for all previous conditions should continue and screenings for osteoporosis, depression, and memory problems should begin. Depression screenings should also start now.
Need a physician to help you get the screenings you and your family need to stay healthy? Call 914-849-MyMD.
Dr. Michael Zuckman is a specialist in internal medicine who has been practicing for over 30 years. For an appointment, call 914-849-7900.