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* Eating a diet that is low on fat, high on fiber with adequate servings
of fresh vegetables and fruits is known to prevent health complications
and many common illnesses. Such a diet is even known to combat some forms
of cancer.
* Maintaining an optimum weight, being physically able whatever your age,
going easy on high calories and salt and keeping intake of alcohol to a
minimum helps in preventing cholesterol and blood pressure.
* Avoiding tobacco in any form will prove to be beneficial
* Regular exercise which is incorporated into a daily routine helps to
ward off many diseases. People who have been inactive all their lives
benefit when they begin to exercise even on a moderate scale. Heart
diseases. Colon cancer, blood pressure and diabetes are some of the
complications that can be controlled with regular exercise.
* Lighter activities like walking, climbing stairs, gardening, routine
house work and dancing or light aerobics have many benefits. However, if
you are used to a sedentary life, please consult your doctor before you
begin any exercise regimen.
* Using seat belts while in a car and helmets when driving a two wheeler
is known to have saved many lives.
* Visits to a doctor should be made on a routine basis for preventive care
and counseling.
Here are some screenings that have been recommended for men and women that
you should be aware of in order to play your role as family caretaker to
perfection:
* Pap test for women to detect cervical cancer – yearly. For men, screen
for testicular cancer – yearly.
* Have a blood glucose test done – yearly
* A mammography should be performed for detecting breast cancer – yearly.
For men, check for prostate problems – yearly.
* Consult your doctor at least once about the blood tests for total
cholesterol and HDL cholesterol. Follow up if there are abnormalities.
* Check for occult blood with a fecal test which will reveal silent
bleeding if any, in the digestive tract.
* Have a colon and rectum test every three to five years.
* The thyroid often causes many problems. Check with a hormone test again
every three to five years.
* Iron deficiencies can give rise to anemic conditions. Check the
hemoglobin and ferritin levels after consulting your doctor.
* Urine analysis is required on a regular basis if you are a diabetic.
Excess protein in the urine should also be analyzed.
* If you are exposed to the sun, have a skin examination done to detect
skin cancer.
* A lipid profile is a must if you have coronary disease.
* Tests for glaucoma should be conducted if you are over 40 years of age,
especially if there is a family history of glaucoma.
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