 | | Jeanette Cox, 55 and her son Will, 18, of Sugar Land spent about 40 minutes on the “cardio” machine Tuesday at the T.W. Davis Family YMCA in Richmond. The duo have been working out together for several years now. Jeanette works out to help keep her blood pressure down, while Will is simply getting in better shape. (Staff photo by Barbara Swarm)
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| Now that the new year is upon us, and the perennial resolutions to diet and exercise have already been broken, perhaps it's time for a new perspective.
Before hitting the gym or counting calories, again, it may behoove us to shape up the ol' medical records.
Health screenings and immunizations are vital components to preventive health care.
Approximately one minute after birth, and again in five, the poking and prodding begins with the state required screening Apgar, developed in 1952 by anesthesiologist Virginia Apgar. These tests help identify babies with health risks through various scores in activity, pulse, grimace, appearance and respiration. Hearing tests are also conducted prior to leaving the hospital.
While newborn babies are immune to many diseases, the antibodies they get from their mother may last only a month to about a year. As children grow, parental concern about their health and safety also increases. Keeping immunizations up-to-date helps protect children from infectious diseases, health officials say.
Guidelines for immunizations are set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Practice.
According to the FDA, vaccines have contributed to a significant reduction in many childhood diseases such as diphtheria, polio, measles and whooping cough.
Recently, however, parents have displayed growing concerns about immunizations.
“There is no study shown that vaccines cause autism,” assured Dr. Joe Anzaldua, with Sugar Land Family Physicians, addressing one concern. “Vaccines makes the most sense. They are sanctioned by the CDC.”
Another type of booster making headlines is the cervical cancer vaccine commonly known as Gardasil. The vaccine is given in a series of three injections over a six-month period for girls ages 11 to 12.
“It is a new product,” explained Anzaldua. “And like any new product, there is a lot of fear, misconceptions. By all accounts, it appears to be something parents should inquire about. Ask questions.”
At age 21, all women should schedule their annual Pap test to screen for cervical cancer. Depending on age and results of past tests, screening should then be done every year. Consult your physician.
Women in their 20s and 30s should also consider breast examinations. By age 40, mammograms are recommended as well.
For men, prostate cancer screening is recommended at age 50. If there are certain risk factors, such as a strong family history of prostate cancer and those who are African-American, early screening is recommended.
“There are no guidelines,” said Anzaldua. “Everybody is different.”
Research shows that physical activity may help prevent at least six diseases: high blood pressure, obesity, osteoporosis, depression, diabetes and heart diseases.
Heart disease in the No. 1 killer. More than 1,200 Americans die of coronary heart disease every day, according to the American Heart Association.
Lowering the risk can be achieved by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The American Cancer Society recommends that children and adolescents participate in moderate to vigorous physical activity at least 60 minutes a day, at least five days a week.
Certain health problems, such as obesity, unhealthy cholesterol levels, smoking and high blood pressure, to name a few, can put you at a higher risk for heart disease and diabetes.
While more than 20 million Americans have diabetes, nearly one in three does not know it, according to the American Diabetes Association.
“Americans are living longer than ever before,” said Anzaldua, adding,” which has its own set of problems.”
Like most doctors, Anzaldua practices preventive medicine.
“Early intervention is always going to be key,” he said. “Don't wait for symptoms to happen. It may be too late.”
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