Scottsdale, Arizona - The New Year brings a lot of good intentions, including resolutions to lose weight, eat better and live healthier. Starting off the New Year with an annual physical and several screening tests can help you make 2016 your healthiest yet.
"For someone trying to get healthy in the New Year, the most important thing I think is to know your numbers, including body mass index, weight, blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol," says Vandana Bhide, M.D., internist and pediatrician at Mayo Clinic’s campus in Jacksonville, Fl.
Additionally, an annual physical can provide an important snapshot of a person's health at a specific point in time, regardless of age. "Having this information allows us to help create an appropriate plan for healthful changes," she says.
Age, gender and family history will dictate the timing and necessity of other tests but Dr. Bhide recommends the following screenings for overall wellness:
- Immunization review
- Heart health screening, including stress test
- Colorectal cancer screening
- Testicular cancer screening and prostate exam for men
- Pelvic exam, Pap smear and mammogram for women
- Vision and dental exams
She adds that the New Year is also ideal for children to have a check-up, including a review of immunizations. For teenagers, the HPV/cervical cancer vaccine may be indicated.
