Pandemic May Delay Events; Should Not Delay Important Health Screenings

posted on Monday, February 22, 2021

Through the past 12 months of the COVID-19 pandemic, many events or activities have been postponed. However, important health screenings, which are essential for early detection and treatment of health concerns, should not be among those delayed activities.

“Cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and other illnesses aren’t taking time off due to COVID-19. Additionally, stress is a factor for many health concerns, which means sticking with routine check-ups is more important than ever,” commented Susan Zulk, Spencer Hospital liaison.

An annual physical with a family medicine practitioner provides an overall health assessment and also the starting point for your physician to recommend other important exams such as mammograms, colonoscopies, prostate checks, lab tests, and other essential health screenings.

Important checks to schedule:

• Annual physical – Your provider will perform important exams based on your age, gender and family medical history.
• Mammogram - Spencer Hospital provides 3D mammography in the hospital’s Women’s Health Center, performed by certified mammographers.
• Prostate exam – Prostate screenings for most men should begin at age 50; earlier for high-risk individuals.
• Planet Heart Check – Spencer Hospital also offers heart health assessments which a calcium score CT, blood pressure check, body mass index, cholesterol and blood sugar tests, education, and risk assessment with an expert cardiovascular team, nutrition counseling with a dietitian and, if needed, tobacco cessation information.
• Planet Heart Vascular Check - Provides ultrasound screening exams of three areas of the vascular system that often pose risk for stroke: the carotid arteries, peripheral arteries, and also abdominal aortic aneurysms.
• Colonoscopy – The American Cancer Society recommends people begin colorectal cancer screenings at age 45.
• Skin checks – Visit with your provider at your annual exam about suspicious moles or skin lesions.
• Diabetes – A fasting blood glucose test can determine your risk for pre-diabetes or diabetes.

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