Preventive Health FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY Patient Information
Preventive Health Care Welcome to Iowa Health Physicians. Now that you have chosen a healthcare provider it is time to schedule an appointment for an exam. Many illnesses that affect people in the United States are preventable or can be managed well when found early. The key is making sure people know what needs to be done to prevent illness. Preventive recommendations are the tests, screenings and immunizations that should be done to prevent illness.
For You and Your Family Iowa Health Physicians wants to improve the health of our patients and wants to help you be a partner in taking good care of your health. We want to teach you about preventive tests, screenings and immunizations. We have put together some information for you and your family about what is recommended to prevent illness and disease in adults and children. These recommendations are different for men, women, and children, and for different age groups. The guidelines we follow are for healthy people at average risk, meaning those who do not have several risk factors. Talk with your healthcare provider about your risk factors so that they can help you decide which screenings you may need. Once you and your doctor decide what needs to be done, be sure to check with your insurance company to see if the tests, screenings, or immunizations are covered. The following pages include some of the tests that we recommend according to age for you or a family member. PAGE 3
Healthy Children & Young Adults Physical Exams The child s doctor will set a schedule with you for your child. Blood Pressure Blood pressure is the pressure inside the body s arteries as the heart pumps blood through them. This pressure causes the blood to flow to all parts of the body. Childhood Immunizations Children need protection against a number of childhood diseases. Vaccines protect millions of children today from diseases that could cause lifelong damage or even death. Although you may not see or hear much about some of the diseases we vaccinate against, these diseases still exist and are a threat to your child s health and safety. Vaccinations should be started at birth. Most of them should be given within the first two years of life. This means that your child will need several visits to the doctor for vaccinations before the age of 2. Older children also need certain vaccinations and the child s doctor will have the recommended schedule. Hepatitis B Vaccine To protect against Hepatitis B, which can lead to serious liver disease. Hib Vaccine To protect against Haemophilus influenza type B, the most common cause of spinal meningitis (infection in the covering of the spinal cord). Influenza (flu) Vaccine To protect against the upper respiratory flu. DTaP Vaccine To protect against diphtheria, tetanus (lockjaw), and pertussis (whooping cough). PAGE 4
From Birth to Age 21 Polio Vaccine Varicella Zoster Vaccine To protect against chicken pox. Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine To protect against pneumococcal diseases such as blood infections and meningitis (infection of the covering of the spinal column). MMR Vaccine To protect against Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (German measles). Rubella Susceptibility Test For young women of childbearing age who have not had rubella or been vaccinated. Lead Blood Lead levels will be checked at 12 months. Children at higher risk of lead exposure may be checked at 24 months as well. Vision Screening It is recommended that your child s vision be tested between the ages of 3 and 4. This is usually the age at which children are able to follow directions and communicate what they see to the person doing the test. Physical Exams - Pap Test The Pap test, or Pap smear, is a simple screening test for cancer of the cervix. The cervix is the bottom part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. When cancer of the cervix is found early, chances for a cure are good. This test is for young sexually active women who have not had their uterus removed. This testing should start within 3 years of first sexual activity or at age 21, whichever comes first. Chlamydia This screening is for young women if they are sexually active. Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD) in the United States, especially among sexually active teens and young adults. This infection is caused by bacteria known as Chlamydia Trachomatis. PAGE 5
Healthy Females Physical Exams As suggested by your doctor. Blood Pressure Blood pressure is the pressure inside the body s arteries as the heart pumps blood through them. This pressure causes the blood to flow to all parts of the body. Cholesterol Cholesterol is a fat-like substance in the blood. Your body makes and needs a specific amount of it, and you consume it in certain foods. Too much cholesterol can build up in the body s arteries and block the flow of blood. The higher your cholesterol level, the greater your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other problems that result from poor blood flow. Chlamydia This screening is for young women if they are sexually active. Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD) in the United States, especially among sexually active teens and young adults. This infection is caused by bacteria known as Chlamydia Trachomatis. Pap Test The Pap test, or Pap smear, is a simple screening test for cancer of the cervix. The cervix is the bottom part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. When cancer of the cervix is found early, chances for a cure are good. This test is for young sexually active women who have not had their uterus removed. This testing should start within 3 years of first sexual activity or at age 21, whichever comes first. Mammogram A mammogram is an x-ray picture of the inside of the breast. It can find cancer at a very early stage long before a lump would be felt during an exam. When cancer is found very early, the chance for a cure is much better. This test is recommended every 1 to 2 years starting at age 40. PAGE 6
ages 22 to 49 Prenatal Screening Starting in the first 3 months of pregnancy, to include at least blood pressure checks and Rh blood typing. Adult Immunizations Tetanus Booster To protect against diphtheria, tetanus (lock jaw), and pertussis (whooping cough). This is recommended every ten years. Varicella Vaccine To protect against chicken pox. Two doses, 4 to 8 weeks apart, are recommended for healthy adults who have not been vaccinated and have never had chicken pox. MMR Vaccine To protect against Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (German measles). This is recommended for adults born after 1956 who have not had measles or been vaccinated. Screening for rubella is important for women of childbearing age. Hepatitis B Vaccine To protect against Hepatitis B. This is recommended for young adults ages 14 to 25 not yet vaccinated. Influenza (flu) Vaccine To protect against the upper respiratory flu. This is recommended every year beginning at age 50. Other adults with high risk conditions may also need to be vaccinated. Pneumococcal Vaccine To protect against Pneumococcal disease such as pneumonia. This is recommended to be given one time for persons age 65 and older. PAGE 7
Healthy Females Physical Exams As suggested by your doctor. Blood Pressure Blood pressure is the pressure inside the body s arteries as the heart pumps blood through them. This pressure causes the blood to flow to all parts of the body. Cholesterol Cholesterol is a fat-like substance in the blood. Your body makes and needs a certain amount of it, and you consume it in certain foods. Too much cholesterol can build up in the body s arteries and block the flow of blood. The higher your cholesterol level, the greater your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other problems that result from poor blood flow. Colorectal Cancer Screening Colorectal cancer is a disease in which cancer cells grow in either the colon or the rectum. There are four types of tests that can be done to screen for colorectal cancer: Colonoscopy This is done every 10 years. A colonoscopy examines the inside of the entire colon and rectum using a thin, lighted tube with a tiny camera attached, which is inserted into the rectum. If a polyp or abnormal tissue is discovered during this exam, it may be removed and reviewed for further testing. Fecal Occult Blood Test This is done every year. A small sample of stool is placed on a special card and tested by a lab for hidden blood, which often comes from a bleeding cancer. Any positive test for occult blood should be followed up as suspicious (though not completely diagnostic) for cancer. PAGE 8
ages 50 and over Flexible Sigmoidoscopy This is done every 5 years. The doctor inserts a sigmoidoscope (thin, lighted tube with a tiny camera attached) into the rectum to view the inside of the lower colon and rectum for polyps, tumors, or abnormal growths. Double Contrast Barium Enema Liquid called Barium is put into the rectum by way of the anus. Barium is a metallic compound that helps highlight the image of the lower gastrointestinal tract on an x-ray. This helps show the large intestine to check for polyps. Mammogram A mammogram is an x-ray picture of the inside of the breast. It can find cancer at a very early stage long before a lump would be felt during an exam. When cancer is found very early, the chance for a cure is much better. This test is recommended every 1 to 2 years starting at age 40. Pap Test The Pap test, or Pap smear, is a simple screening test for cancer of the cervix. The cervix is the bottom part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. When cancer of the cervix is found early, chances for a cure are good. This test is for young sexually active women who have not had their uterus removed. This testing should start within 3 years of first sexual activity or at age 21, whichever comes first.
Healthy Females Adult Immunizations Tetanus Booster To protect against diphtheria, tetanus (lock jaw), and pertussis (whooping cough). This is recommended every ten years. Varicella Vaccine To protect against chicken pox. Two doses, 4 to 8 weeks apart, are recommended for healthy adults who have not been vaccinated and have never had chicken pox. MMR Vaccine To protect against Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (German measles). This is recommended for adults born after 1956 who have not had measles or been vaccinated. Screening for rubella is important for women of childbearing age. Hepatitis B Vaccine To protect against Hepatitis B. This is recommended for young adults ages 14 to 25 not yet vaccinated. Influenza (flu) Vaccine To protect against the upper respiratory flu. This is recommended every year beginning at age 50. Other adults with high risk conditions may also need to be vaccinated. Pneumococcal Vaccine To protect against Pneumococcal disease such as pneumonia. This is recommended to be given one time for persons age 65 and older. PAGE 10
ages 50 and over Vision & Hearing Screening Starting at age 65. Adults older than 65 should be screened for decreased vision periodically using the Snellen Visual Acuity test. Screening older adults for hearing impairment by periodically questioning them about their hearing, counseling them about the availability of hearing aid devices, and making referrals for abnormalities is recommended. Bone Density A computer compares your measurements with those of other people your age and younger at peak bone density. This information will tell your health care provider how strong your bones are and if you are at risk for a fracture.
Healthy Males Physical Exams As suggested by your doctor. Blood Pressure Blood pressure is the pressure inside the body s arteries as the heart pumps blood through them. This pressure causes the blood to flow to all parts of the body. Cholesterol Cholesterol is a fat-like substance in the blood. Your body makes and needs a certain amount of it, and you consume it in certain foods. Too much cholesterol can build up in the body s arteries and block the flow of blood. The higher your cholesterol level, the greater your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other problems that result from poor blood flow.
ages 22 to 49 Adult Immunizations Tetanus Booster To protect against diphtheria, tetanus (lock jaw), and pertussis (whooping cough). This is recommended every ten years. Varicella Vaccine To protect against chicken pox. Two doses, 4 to 8 weeks apart, are recommended for healthy adults who have not been vaccinated and have never had chicken pox. MMR Vaccine To protect against Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (German measles). This is recommended for adults born after 1956 who have not had measles or been vaccinated. Hepatitis B Vaccine To protect against Hepatitis B. This is recommended for young adults ages 14 to 25 not yet vaccinated. Influenza (flu) Vaccine To protect against the upper respiratory flu. This is recommended every year beginning at age 50. Other adults with high risk conditions may also need to be vaccinated. Pneumococcal Vaccine To protect against Pneumococcal disease such as pneumonia. This is recommended to be given one time for persons age 65 and older. PAGE 13
Healthy Males Physical Exams As suggested by your doctor. Blood Pressure Blood pressure is the pressure inside the body s arteries as the heart pumps blood through them. This pressure causes the blood to flow to all parts of the body. Cholesterol Cholesterol is a fat-like substance in the blood. Your body makes and needs a certain amount of it, and you consume it in certain foods. Too much cholesterol can build up in the body s arteries and block the flow of blood. The higher your cholesterol level, the greater your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other problems that result from poor blood flow. Colorectal Cancer Screening Colorectal cancer is a disease in which cancer cells grow in either the colon or the rectum. There are four types of tests that can be done to screen for colorectal cancer: Colonoscopy This is done every 10 years. A colonoscopy examines the inside of the entire colon and rectum using a thin, lighted tube with a tiny camera attached, which is inserted into the rectum. If a polyp or abnormal tissue is discovered during this exam, it may be removed and reviewed for further testing. Fecal Occult Blood Test This is done every year. A small sample of stool is placed on a special card and tested by a lab for hidden blood, which often comes from a bleeding cancer. Any positive test for occult blood should be followed up as suspicious (though not completely diagnostic) for cancer. Flexible Sigmoidoscopy This is done every 5 years. The doctor inserts a sigmoidoscope (thin, lighted tube with a tiny camera attached) into the rectum to view the inside of the lower colon and rectum for polyps, tumors, or abnormal growths. PAGE 14
ages 50 and over Double Contrast Barium Enema Liquid called Barium is put into the rectum by way of the anus. Barium is a metallic compound that helps highlight the image of the lower gastrointestinal tract on an x-ray. This helps show the large intestine to check for polyps. Adult Immunizations Tetanus Booster To protect against diphtheria, tetanus (lock jaw), and pertussis (whooping cough). This is recommended every ten years. Varicella Vaccine To protect against chicken pox. Two doses, 4 to 8 weeks apart, are recommended for healthy adults who have not been vaccinated and have never had chicken pox. MMR Vaccine To protect against Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (German measles). This is recommended for adults born after 1956 who have not had measles or been vaccinated. Hepatitis B Vaccine To protect against Hepatitis B. This is recommended for young adults ages 14 to 25 not yet vaccinated. Influenza (flu) Vaccine To protect against the upper respiratory flu. This is recommended every year beginning at age 50. Other adults with high risk conditions may also need to be vaccinated. Pneumococcal Vaccine To protect against Pneumococcal disease such as pneumonia. This is recommended once for persons age 65 and older. Vision & Hearing Screening Starting at age 65. Adults older than 65 should be screened for decreased vision periodically using the Snellen Visual Acuity test. Screening older adults for hearing impairment by periodically questioning them about their hearing, counseling them about the availability of hearing aid devices, and making referrals for abnormalities is recommended. PAGE 15
U.S. Department of Health U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstfix.htm