Keeping Up with Health:

Hey there, health-conscious folks! Let's talk about something that might not be the most exciting topic but is absolutely crucial for our well-being: routine preventative maintenance health checks and screenings. Yes, I know, it sounds a bit like taking your car in for a tune-up, but trust me, it's just as important, if not more so, for our bodies!

Whether you're a guy or a gal, young or old, making sure you're up-to-date on your health screenings can help catch potential issues early, keep you feeling your best, and potentially even save your life. So, let's dive into some of the key check-ups and screenings that both men and women should have at different stages of life:

1. Blood Pressure Screening: Starting from around age 18, it's a good idea to have your blood pressure checked regularly, especially if you have a family history of hypertension or related conditions.

2. Cholesterol Check: Also beginning around age 18, getting your cholesterol levels checked can help monitor your heart health and catch any potential issues early on.

3. Skin Cancer Screening: Especially if you spend a lot of time in the sun, regular skin checks for unusual moles or spots should start in your early 20s and continue throughout your life.

4. Dental Check-ups: Don't forget about those pearly whites! Regular dental exams and cleanings should happen at least once a year, starting in childhood and continuing into adulthood.

5. Eye Exams: From childhood onwards, regular eye exams can help detect vision problems, eye diseases, and even conditions like diabetes.

6. Breast Exams and Mammograms: For women, breast self-exams should start in their 20s, and clinical breast exams should happen every 1-3 years. Mammograms are typically recommended starting at age 40, but this can vary based on family history and other factors.

7. Pelvic Exams and Pap Smears: Women should start getting pelvic exams and Pap smears around age 21, or earlier if sexually active. These tests help detect cervical cancer and other reproductive health issues.

8. Testicular Exams: Guys, don't forget about your health! Testicular self-exams should start in adolescence and continue into adulthood to help detect any abnormalities early on.

9. Prostate Cancer Screening: Starting at age 50, men should talk to their healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of prostate cancer screening, particularly if they have a family history of the disease.

10. Colon Cancer Screening: Both men and women should begin regular colon cancer screenings at age 45-50, depending on individual risk factors and family history.

Remember, these are just general guidelines, and it's essential to consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best screening schedule for your individual health needs. While it might seem like a hassle to schedule and attend all these appointments, investing in your health now can pay off big time in the long run.

By staying on top of your routine preventative maintenance checks and screenings, you can catch potential health issues early, take proactive steps to improve your well-being, and enjoy a longer, healthier life. So, go ahead, pick up the phone, and schedule those appointments—it's one of the best investments you can make in yourself! ~RS

Good afternoon. It's Friday, Feb. 9, and we're covering arguments over election eligibility at the Supreme Court, the Lunar New Year, and much more.

"It is a little dark still, but there are warnings of the day and somewhere out of the darkness, a bird is singing to the Dawn."

 ~ Paul Laurence Dunbar

Amazing Fact Generator

“Jay” was slang for “foolish person.” So when a pedestrian ignored street signs, he was a “jaywalker.”