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Check up on
your health
A little prevention goes a long way
Regular screening tests and checkups with a
doctor are good ways to take control of your
health. These exams can make it easier to
spot problems early, when treatment is often
more effective. They might even prevent a
problem from developing in the first place.
Which screenings are for you?
Some of the screenings that your doctor
might recommend could include tests for:
»
Cholesterol.
This is a blood test recom-
mended for adults starting at age 20 if you
use tobacco, are obese, have diabetes or
high blood pressure, or have a history of
heart disease or blocked arteries. High
cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart
disease.
»
Blood pressure.
Have this checked at least
once every two years. High blood pressure
increases risks of heart and kidney disease
and stroke.
»
Diabetes.
If your blood pressure is higher
than 135/80 or you take medicine for high
blood pressure, you should get screened
for diabetes.
»
Colorectal cancer.
Most adults should have
their first exam at age 50. Ask which of
several available tests are right for you.
Women should also consider screening tests
for breast cancer, cervical cancer and osteo-
porosis. Ask your doctor whether a mammo-
gram is right for you based on age, family
history, general health and personal concerns.
Pap smears are often done every one to
three years. A bone density scan should be
done at least once beginning at age 65.
Men should talk to their doctor about
the risks and benefits of prostate cancer
screening.
Source: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
Health and Wellness
Arlene Okamoto
50+ Health Connection/
Senior Services
Coordinator
The following seminars are
free
.
All seminars are presented in
English free of charge at the
Arcadia Community Center,
365 Campus Drive, in Arcadia.
For reservations, please call
626-574-5130
.
Heart Attack
Tuesday, February 28
1:30–2:30 p.m.
Terrence Baruch, MD,
cardiologist and Medical
Director, Methodist Hospital
Cardiac Catheterization Lab
A heart attack or myocardial
infarction (MI) can cause per-
manent damage to the heart
muscle. More than 1 million
Americans have heart attacks
each year, making it the No. 1
killer for both men and women.
February is traditionally Heart
Month, and we are pleased to
have Dr. Baruch speak on the
symptoms, diagnosis and treat-
ment options for heart attack.
He will also discuss the STEMI
program and the 911 transfer
program.
Depression
Tuesday, March 27
1:30–2:30 p.m.
Pei-Huey Nie, MD,
geriatric psychiatrist
Depression is described as feel-
ing sad, blue, unhappy, miser-
able or “down in the dumps.”
Most of us feel this way at one
time or another for short peri-
ods. True clinical depression is
a mood disorder in which feel-
ings of sadness, loss, anger or
frustration interfere with every-
day life for weeks or longer.
Depression can change or dis-
tort the way you see yourself,
your life, and those around you.
Dr. Nie is a board-certified geri-
atric psychiatrist who will talk on
how to identify the symptoms
and new treatment options.
Stroke
Tuesday, April 24
1:30–2:30 p.m.
Kenneth Wogensen, MD,
neurologist, Medical Director,
Methodist Hospital Stroke
Program
A stroke is a condition in which
a blood clot or ruptured blood
vessel interrupts blood flow
to an area of the brain. A lack
of oxygen and glucose (sugar)
flowing to the brain can cause
the death of brain cells, often
resulting in impairment of
speech, movement or memory.
Dr. Wogensen will discuss the
symptoms, diagnosis and treat-
ment options available. Come
learn about our stroke program
and how quick response can
prevent damage to the brain
and save your life.
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SPEAK TO THE EXPERTS
To find out which screenings are recommended
for you, make an appointment to see your doctor.