Resolve Now to Live Healthier
Several new developments in the practice of medicine have prompted a variety of questions from patients over the last few weeks. The breadth and significance of some of them are such that we all should take a careful look at our own health care plan and that of our families. Right now is a great time to make some resolutions that will lead to a longer and healthier life.
Human Genome
We have all watched with hopeful anticipation as the DNA map of human genes is in the process of being completed. This had led to speculation that many diseases will be preventable and that the genetic foundation of aging will be identified, leading to longer and healthier lives. We should consider two points as this process unfolds.
Despite the excitement and media attention, any practical application for this new technology is years away. Do not wait to make changes in your lifestyle because you believe genetic engineering will produce immediate results.
Even more compelling is the fact that medical scientists are discovering that our environment and individual health care decision-making significantly overshadow the effect of our gene pool in the majority of life-threatening illnesses. For example, only 20% of all breast cancers are due to genetic inheritance.
As a physician, I am greatly excited about the possibilities that medical research has to offer, but still must point out the tremendous power we can exert over our own quality and quantity of life by the choices we make. Take advantage of this mild summer and begin a walking program. The roadside vegetable stands are brimming with fresh produce. What a great time to enjoy the bounty brought forth by our Wisconsin farmers.
This is also a great time to set up a complete physical. Doctor's offices are often less busy during the summer months, and appointments are easier to get. Fast before you arrive, so a cholesterol panel can be ordered. Make sure you ask for all appropriate screening tests such as those for colorectal, breast and prostate cancer. Be honest about revealing your own health habits, the good and bad. Your truthfulness will have a great effect on making your doctor's recommendations for your health meaningful.
Children's Health Care
Summertime means that your children are out of school and it is easier to schedule appointments with the doctor. This is a great time to set up well-child checks, update immunizations and determine whether your child is a candidate for some of the newer vaccinations. School-aged children should be evaluated to see if they need a varicella or chicken pox vaccination as well as Prevnar, the new vaccine for pneumococal infections. If you're sending someone off to college, he or she ought to receive the vaccine for meningococcus.
Take a few moments and reflect on your children's school performance for the last year. If it was not what you and their teachers believe it could have been, consider having their hearing and vision evaluated. Often deficits in these areas lead to a child being labeled as academically weak, when the real problem is that the child can't see or hear adequately. If your adolescent child has had a drop in school performance, consider counseling to look for signs of depression or substance abuse.
Sexual Health
New information has revealed that as many as 45 million Americans have ongoing evidence for infection with the virus that causes Herpes, many of whom have no symptoms but shed the virus. We now know that cervical cancer is almost exclusively caused by human papilloma virus acquired during sexual intercourse. According to new evidence, AIDS infections in the United States are increasing, after a significant decline. Worldwide, the epidemic is devastating.
If you choose to have sex outside of a marital monogamous relationship, be extremely careful. Use condoms exclusively and make some attempt to get a sexual history on your partner. If you see any evidence for active genital lesions, carefully consider whether the risk you are about to take is justifiable.
I hope this information will help you and your family enjoy many happy and healthy summers to come.
Article Created: 2000-07-28
Article Updated: 2001-07-24
"Your Health" provides easy-to-understand information about common health conditions.
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