As we prepare to leave the old year behind us and greet the New Year, I would like to propose the following health related resolutions:
- If you smoke – quit.
- If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation and do not drink and drive.
- Develop a routine exercise program and stick with it.
- Improve your diet – increase fruits and vegetables; decrease fats and carbohydrates.
- Buckle up every time you enter your car.
- Don’t talk on your cell phone while driving –not only very dangerous, but illegal.
- Don’t climb ladders alone, have someone with you, (personal experience speaking).
- Get regular dental checkups and eye exams.
- If you are overweight try to lose weight, but if you can’t, at least remain physically fit.
- Use sun screen when outside during the sunny months.
- Routinely examine your skin for any unusual changes.
- Keep your immunizations up to date including all the usual ones that babies and children receive, as well as a diphtheria-tetanus booster every ten years for adults and a yearly influenza vaccine.
- Have your blood pressure checked at every health care visit.
- Routine health maintenance screening exams to be discussed with your doctor and should include:
- Pap test for women beginning at age 21.
- Cholesterol level test starting at age 20.
- Mammogram for women beginning at age 40.
- Blood sugar test starting at age 45.
- Colon screening (colonoscopy) beginning at age 50.
- Prostate exam for men starting at age 50.
- See your doctor sooner rather than later if you have a strong family history of any significant medical problems such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.
- Avoid stress, relax, and do your best to enjoy your life whatever your circumstances.
Terry Hollenbeck, M.D., is a retired urgent-care physician at Palo Alto Medical Foundation Santa Cruz in ScottsValley. Readers can view his previous columns on his website, valleydoctor.wordpress.com, or e-mail him at va**********@*******al.net.
