Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Health Tips for March 26

Health Tip: Get Screened for Cancer

Early detection, by way of regular screening, is one of the best ways to beat cancer.

The American Cancer Society offers these guidelines for cancer screenings:

* Women, starting at age 40, should get an annual mammogram to screen for breast cancer. Breast exams should start at age 20. An annual exam is recommended at age 40. Before that, women at normal risk should be examined about every three years.
* Beginning at age 50, women and men need regular screening for colorectal cancer. People at an increased risk for colorectal cancer should be tested earlier.
* Women need regular Pap smears to screen for cervical cancer. Pap smears should be given within three years of starting intercourse, or by age 21, whichever is earlier.
* Men 50 and older should get the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test and a digital rectal examination annually. Men at higher risk should begin testing at age 45.

Health Tip: Can't Keep Asthma Under Control?

If your treatment regimen for asthma isn't helping your symptoms, you and your doctor may need to figure out what's really behind your asthma.

Here are possible reasons for ongoing asthma symptoms, courtesy of the American Academy of Family Physicians:

* Allergies to something in your home, school or workplace, such as pet dander or dust mites.
* Not taking your medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
* Not using your inhaler properly.
* The medication you're using simply is not effective for you.
* Your respiratory symptoms are being caused by something other than asthma.

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