Of the 10 leading causes of death, 6 of them are related to diseases that can be treated when detected early. While the list of routine medical checks that a doctor might recommend is overwhelming, here are a few not to skip on; they could save your life:
Early Detection for Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is the 10th most common form of mortality from cancer in the United States. While the statistics are startling, the rate of invasive cervical cancer has declined by 50% in the last 3 decades. This is a direct result of routine pap smears and early cervical cancer detection becoming more commonplace.
Many women avoid scheduling routine pap smears because the procedure is unpleasant and uncomfortable. Finding an OBGYN you trust makes the pap smear experience significantly easier, and therefor makes you more likely to keep up periodical checks that could save your life. If you are unsure of where to begin in finding an OBGYN, start by asking for recommendations from girlfriends who have OBGYNs they trust. A recommendation from a friend will really put your mind at ease. Otherwise, you can get assistance finding an OBGYN from medical professional websites that show doctors’ credentials, years of experience, and reviews (both negative and positive) from other patients.
High Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Screening
High blood pressure and cholesterol issues are the biggest culprits behind heart disease, which is the leading cause of death for both men and women. In fact, there are more deaths related to heart disease than every form of cancer and AIDs combined. Additionally, high blood pressure and cholesterol cause kidney failure, loss of sight, and strokes. The gravity of undiagnosed heart disease significantly increases the importance of routine check ups.
Finding a doctor who you trust that specializes in heart disease could save your life. If you have a family history of heart disease, are overweight, or smoke, make a list of questions to ask a cardiologist to ensure any risk is caught early.
Sleep Disorders
As many as 70 million Americans suffer from sleep issues. While it might not seem life-threatening, it could be an indication of sleep apnea, which is very dangerous. In addition to causing poor sleep, sleep apnea elevates your risk of high blood pressure, strokes, and heart attacks. If you are obese, you snore, and sometimes wake up choking or gasping, you possess the signs of sleep apnea. If you find a doctor who specializes in sleep studies, it could significantly improve your quality of life and possibly even save it.