Did you know that there are health screenings available for a variety of conditions? Health screenings can help identify risk factors for diseases and disorders, and they can also help to detect problems early on when treatment is often more successful. Here are some of the most vital facts about health screenings that you should know.
What Are Health Screenings and Why Are They Important?
Health screenings are tests that assess your health in certain areas, like heart health and cholesterol levels. These screenings are important because they can help identify risk factors for diseases and disorders that are more likely to be fully cured if caught early. By getting regular health screenings, you can help protect yourself from serious health problems.
What Types of Health Screenings Are Available?
There are a variety of different health screenings available, and the type of screening that is best for you will depend on your individual health history and risk factors. Some of the most common types of health screenings include:
- Blood pressure screening
- Diabetes screening
- Asthma screening
- High cholesterol screening
Each of these screenings can help to identify potential health risks and help you to get treatment before a problem becomes serious.
How to Do Health Screenings Work?
Blood Pressure Screening
A blood pressure screening can help to identify high blood pressure, a condition that can increase your risk for heart disease and stroke. High blood pressure often has no symptoms, so it is important to get screened regularly.
A blood pressure screening typically involves taking your blood pressure reading. A nurse or healthcare professional will fasten a cuff around your upper arm, inflate the cuff, and monitor your blood flow as the pressure in the cuff increases. After releasing the pressure, you will get a blood pressure reading.
A blood pressure reading consists of the systolic pressure over diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure is the pressure at which your heart contracts and pumps blood to the rest of the body, and diastolic pressure is the pressure when your heart is relaxed between beats. While normal blood pressure can vary by age, gender, and other factors, 120/80 is considered normal and healthy blood pressure.
Diabetes Screening
Diabetes is a condition that affects the way your body uses sugar. When you have diabetes, your body does not produce or use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that helps your body to use sugar for energy. Without insulin, sugar builds up in the blood and can cause health problems over time.
A diabetes screening involves a blood test to measure your blood sugar levels. Other types of tests include hemoglobin A1C tests that determine how much sugar is attached to your red blood cells, as well as oral glucose tests, which involve drinking sugary water and measuring your blood sugar levels over the course of 2 hours. If your blood sugar levels are high, your healthcare provider can advise you on what next steps to take to regulate your blood sugar levels.
Asthma Screening
Asthma is a condition that causes your airways to swell and narrow, making it difficult to breathe. Asthma can develop at any age, but it is most common in children and adults younger than 45 years old.
An asthma screening involves a simple test that measures how well you can breathe by measuring the amount of air you can breathe in and out, and how quickly. If you have asthma, the test will help to determine the best treatment plan for you.
High Cholesterol Screening
High cholesterol is a condition that causes your blood cholesterol levels to become too high. Cholesterol is a type of fat that is found in your blood. Having high cholesterol can increase your risk for heart disease and stroke.
A cholesterol screening typically involves a blood test to measure your cholesterol levels, specifically two kinds of cholesterol. The first is low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad cholesterol,” which can build up in your blood vessels and lead to heart problems. The second kind of cholesterol is high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good cholesterol,” which helps remove LDL from your blood vessels.
The cholesterol screening process is quite simple – it involves taking a sample of blood drawn from your arm, and you do not have to prepare for the test beforehand in any way.
Health Screenings in Washington, DC
At Community Concierge Care (C3 Cares), we offer a variety of health screenings to help you identify risk factors for diseases and disorders. We offer blood pressure screening, diabetes screening, asthma screening, and high cholesterol screening. Our health screenings are important because they can help to detect problems early on and help you protect yourself from serious health problems.
If you would like to schedule a health screening from Community Concierge Care, please call us today at (202) 888-6440. We are happy to help you get started on your path to better health!
