Preventive Care Terms

Mammograms
When breast cancer is identified early and confined to only the breast, the five-year survival rate is nearly 100%. According to the American Cancer Society, mammography is the single most effective form of early detection. Beginning at age 40, all women should have annual mammograms, receive clinical breast exams each year, and practice monthly breast self-exams.

Prostate Exams
Prostate cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer deaths among men in the U.S., yet when detected in its earliest stages, it can be effectively treated and cured. Men age 50 and older should undergo a prostate cancer screening annually.

Pap Smears
Pap smears (also called Pap tests) accurately detect approximately 90% of all cervical cancers and also detect pre-cancerous changes to cells. Women age 18 and older—or women who are sexually active—should receive Pap smears and pelvic examinations every year.

Colorectal Exams
If all Americans were screened regularly for colorectal cancer, it would save 25,000 lives each year. Beginning at age 50, men and women should have one of these screening options:

• Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) or fecal immunochemical test (FIT) yearly
• Double contrast barium enema every 5 years
• Colonoscopy every 10 years

Glucose
Blood glucose testing is used to screen individuals for diabetes and pre-diabetes. Glucose is formed from the breakdown of carbohydrates and is the main energy source for the body’s cells. For the body to use glucose, insulin (a hormone produced by the pancreas) must be available to regulate blood glucose levels. Consistently high blood glucose levels can indicate diabetes and can cause progressive damage to the body’s organs, blood vessels, and nerves.

Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is the force in the arteries when the heart beats (systolic) and when the heart is at rest (diastolic). The blood pressure measurement is usually reported as the systolic pressure over the diastolic pressure, such as a reading of “120 over 80.” High blood pressure (a systolic pressure of 140 or higher and a diastolic pressure of 90 or higher) increases the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke.

Body Mass Index (BMI)
Being overweight or obese can contribute to or worsen many serious medical conditions. Body Mass Index (BMI) is used to classify levels of overweight and obesity. A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 indicates a healthy weight, while a BMI between 25 and 29.9 means you are considered overweight. A BMI of 30 or more indicates obesity.

To calculate your BMI, multiply your weight in pounds by 703. Divide by your height in inches, then divide again by your height in inches.

Example: If your height is 5’5” and your weight is 157 pounds, your BMI is 26.1 (within the overweight range).
157 lbs. X 703= 110371 / 65 inches = 1698 / 65 inches = 26.1

Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that is produced by your body and comes from the food you eat. It is necessary for several bodily functions, but too much cholesterol puts a person at higher risk for coronary heart disease and stroke.

The American Heart Association recommends that everyone age 20 and older undergo a fasting “lipoprotein profile” every five years. (Based on your personal medical or family history, your doctor may recommend a different frequency.) This profile measures total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, and triglycerides and is used to estimate a person’s risk for developing heart disease.

Too much LDL (bad) cholesterol can build up in the inner walls of the arteries and contribute to the formation of plaque. HDL (good) cholesterol carries excess cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver to be passed from the body. Many people with high triglycerides often have a high total cholesterol level. Elevated triglycerides (a form of fat made by the body) can be due to excess weight, physical inactivity, smoking, and a diet high in carbohydrates.