Ep 30 Prevent Illness in the First Place

Date: 4/15/26Name of podcast: Dr. PatientEpisode title and number: 30 Prevent Illness in the First PlaceEpisode summary: Preventive healthcare involves trying to keep illness from occurring, and trying to catch diseases early on in their process. It has a long history of success as an overall health approach, but less and less adults in the US are utilizing it and seeing a primary care provider. This episode reviews what preventive healthcare entails and addresses some of the more common reasons why people don't seek it out.References: Current screening recommendations:Cancers: - Colorectal cancer screening (variety of methods including colonoscopy) at 45-75- Breast cancer screening (mammogram, ultrasound most common) at 40-74- Cervical cancer screening (PAP smear) at 21-65- Lung cancer screening (low dose CT scan) at 50-80 IF you have a 20 pack-year smoking history, or if you quit within the last 15 yearsHeart and metabolic conditions:- Hypertension/high blood pressure screening - every 2 years if blood pressure is < 120/80- every year if blood pressure is 120-139/80-89- annually over 40 years old regardless of blood pressure- Diabetes type 2 screening (blood test)- at 35-70 if overweight/obese (BMI >25)- every 3 years if normal BMI- High cholesterol screening (blood test) - lots of caveats on this one- generally, a lipid panel at 40-75 - some sources say every 4-6 years starting at 20- American Heart Associaion says waist circumference and BMI and lipid panel every 3 years for adults 40-75 with one risk factorInfectious Diseases- Hepatitis C (blood test) once between 18-79- HIV (blood test) once 15-65 or for anyone pregnant, then regularly only if high risk Bone health- Osteoporosis screening (bone scan) all women over 65, all post menopausal women even if less than 65 years old if increased riskOther- Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening (ultrasound) for men 65-75 who have ever smoked- Depression screening (questionnaire) for everyone over 19 including pregnant/postpartum- Beyond these, your healthcare provider might also/should ask you questions about safety at home, seat belt use, your diet and exerciseLinks:USPSTF/US Preventive Services Task Force: https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/ACIP/Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices: https://www.cdc.gov/acip/index.htmlAmerican Heart Association: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/consumer-healthcare/what-is-cardiovascular-disease/heart-health-screeningsAmerican Diabetes Association: https://diabetes.org/newsroom/latest-ada-annual-standards-of-care-includes-changes-to-diabetes-screening-first-line-therapy-pregnancy-technologyAmerican Cancer Society: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/screening/american-cancer-society-guidelines-for-the-early-detection-of-cancer.htmlPodcast website: www.drpatientpodcast.comPodcast email, become a guest: [email protected]