The 12 Screenings of Christmas

The holiday season may be filled with music, merriment, and magic for most individuals. Yet, it’s common to put one’s own health and wellbeing on the back burner during this hectic month. Adelante Healthcare is urging Arizonans not to wait until the new year to make doctor’s appointments and to get screened for various diseases. In fact, there are 12 screenings that adults should be made aware of, which are sometimes overlooked.

Pedro Cons, Adelante’s CEO says, “You may not be able to put a bow on it, but there is no better gift than the gift of good health and longevity. Taking the time to visit doctors and receive the appropriate screenings for your age group is the best gift you can give yourself and your loved ones this holiday season.”

Adelante wants you to give yourself the gift of health this holiday season because early detection and prevention can save lives and you deserve the gift of health. Take some time to review which screenings may best fit your needs.

Here are the essential 12 screenings of Christmas:

• • Blood pressure screening — Adults over the age of 18 should have their blood pressure checked every two to five years, in most cases; however, those over 40 should have annual blood pressure screenings. Untreated blood pressure issues can lead to stroke, heart disease, heart attack, and kidney failure.
  • Cholesterol screening — Children and adolescents should have their cholesterol checked at least once between ages 9 and 11 and again between ages 17 and 21. Healthy adults should have their cholesterol tested every four years, and more often over the age of 40. High cholesterol may have no symptoms but can cause a heart attack or stroke.
  • Diabetes screening — Experts recommend adults who are overweight and between the ages of 35-70 be screened for type 2 diabetes. It’s estimated that 1 in 3 Americans have prediabetes, which can eventually cause kidney damage, often leading to dialysis, eye damage, or an increased risk for heart disease or stroke if left untreated.
  • Dental exam bi-annually — Everyone should visit a dentist for a routine dental exam, oral cancer screening and cleaning every six months, including children beginning at 1 year of age. Gum disease can lead to loss of teeth and a multitude of health complications, including diabetes, heart disease and stroke. And unfilled cavities can cause extreme pain, infection and tooth loss.
  • Immunizations — (Including Flu shot & COVID-19 vaccination) Doctors recommend everyone 6 months old and older receive an annual flu shot. Likewise, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is urging all people over 5 years old to get vaccinated against COVID-19. A recent study shows that unvaccinated people are 20 times more likely to experience COVID-19-associated death, versus fully vaccinated people.
  • Infectious disease screening — There are multiple sexually transmitted diseases that adults should be screened for, including Chlamydia, HIV, Gonorrhea, and Syphilis, to name a few. Sexually active adults are urged to be tested regularly, especially those with more than one partner. STDs left untreated can lead to serious complications, including death.
  • Breast cancer/Mammogram & cervical cancer screenings for women — The American Cancer Society recommends women receive their first mammogram by age 40 and to continue screening annually. Cervical cancer screenings should begin at the age of 21 and be done every 3 years until age 30, then every 5 years, and/or with a PAP smear every three years.
  • Colon Cancer Screening — Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the United States for men and women. Screenings should begin at the age of 45 using recommended screening tests.
  • Prostate Cancer Screening — Men should begin getting prostate cancer screenings at age 55, if no one in the immediate family has a history of prostate cancer. Then it’s recommended to continue screenings every year to two years depending on results.
  • Skin checks for cancer — Arizona is one of the sunniest states in the country, so everyone should be screened annually for skin cancer, regardless of race or skin tone. Unfortunately, most people aren’t diagnosed with skin cancer until it’s reached a later stage and is more difficult to treat.
  • Depression Screening — (Mental health check) Depression affects nearly 10 percent of the population and is one of the leading causes of suicide. Doctors recommend all adults and adolescents between 12-18 years old be screened for depression annually.

• Annual Physicals for the whole family — Once a year, everyone, including babies, toddlers, children, teens and adults should get a well check. Doctors will inspect hearts, breathing, height, weight, ears, blood pressure and more during these visits. Adults will also have routine blood work drawn to check for cholesterol, electrolyte levels, hydration status, liver function, kidney function, and blood cell values. Adolescent care visits should be scheduled for newborn babies through 15 months old and well checks for children and adolescents up to 21 years of age.

Adelante Healthcare has nine facilities conveniently located throughout the state. Each facility is affordable, multi-lingual, accepts AHCCCS and has certified application advisors on hand to help patients with obtaining low-cost health insurance to meet their budget and personal needs. Nobody is turned away for financial or insurance reasons. We accept and treat everyone.

For more information about Adelante Healthcare and to schedule one or more of the essential 12 screenings of Christmas with one of our providers, call us at 1-877-809-5092. We look forward to seeing you!