G
et screened.
That’s smart advice if you care about
your health.
“Screening tests can find health problems before
you have symptoms and feel that something may
be wrong,” says Dr. Charles Cho, Chief Medical
Officer, GCHP. And that’s important. When you
find a disease early, it may be easier to treat.
This chart will help you learn about four tests
all adults need.
For more information, call Member Services at
888-301-1228
.
Four tests everybody needs
test for
BLOOD PRESSURE
WHEN
you need it
Starting at age 18, get tested at least every two years.*
HOW
it’s done
Your Provider can test your blood pressure at a checkup.
WHY
you need it
High blood pressure often has no signs. The only way to
know you have it is to be tested. Left untreated, it can
cause a heart attack or stroke.
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test for
DIABETES
WHEN
you need it
Starting at age 45, get tested at least every three years.*
HOW
it’s done
A blood sample is drawn and tested.
WHY
you need it
There are only a few symptoms of diabetes in its early
stages. That means it often isn’t diagnosed for up to
10 years. During this time, it could harm your heart,
eyes, kidneys and nerves.
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test for
CHOLESTEROL
WHEN
you need it
Starting at age 20, get tested at least every five years.*
HOW
it’s done
A blood sample is drawn and tested.
WHY
you need it
Too much cholesterol in your blood can cause a heart
attack. But even when cholesterol is high, you might not
feel sick.
test for
COLON CANCER
WHEN
you need it
Start at 50. There are many ways to be tested. Some
tests are done every one to two years, others every 5 to
10 years.*
HOW
it’s done
That depends on which test you have. Some tests can be
done at home. Others need to be done at a clinic or hospital.
WHY
you need it
Testing can find growths before they turn into cancer.
*You may need to be tested earlier or more often depending on your personal or family medical history.
Source: American Diabetes Association; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
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4
staying healthy
Why Pap tests
matter
There are plenty of things you’d
probably rather do than get a Pap
test.
But not many of those other
things could help prevent cancer.
A Pap test looks at samples
of cells from the cervix. That’s
the lower part of the womb. If
the cells don’t look right, your
Provider can find out why.
Only rarely does the reason turn
out to be cancer. But the test can
also spot signs of infections, like
the human papillomavirus (HPV).
And sometimes HPV can lead to
cancer.
Regular Pap tests are the
best way to prevent cervical
cancer. Most women should have
their first Pap test at age 21. After
that, you’ll want to have them on
a regular basis. Ask your Provider
what’s right for you.
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winning
health
member services:
888-301-1228
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