Central California Alliance for Health | Living Healthy | March 2015

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4 tests
you need
G et screened. at’s smart
advice if you care about
your health. Screening tests
can nd health problems before
you have symptoms and feel that
something may be wrong. And that’s
important. When you nd a disease
early, it may be easier to treat.
e chart at right will help you
learn about four tests all adults
need.
You may need to be tested earlier
or more often depending on your
personal or family medical history.
Ask your doctor about these tests
and when you should start getting
tested.
For more information, call the
Health Education Line at 1-800-
700-3874, ext. 5580.
Sources: American Diabetes Association; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention;
National Institutes of Health
Copyright © 2015 Coffey Communications
LIVING HEALTHY is published for the members and
community partners of CENTRAL CALIFORNIA ALLIANCE
FOR HEALTH, 1600 Green Hills Road, Suite 101, Scotts Valley,
CA 95066, telephone 831-430-5500 or 1-800-700-3874,
ext. 5505, website .
Information in LIVING HEALTHY comes from a wide range of
medical experts. If you have any concerns or questions about
specific content that may affect your health, please contact
your health care provider.
Models may be used in photos and illustrations.
Member Services Director
Editor
Health Education Coordinator III
Jan Wolf
Erin Huang
Sandra Orozco
and Deborah Pineda
WHN31084 healthyliving
1. Test for BLOOD PRESSURE
WHEN you need it Starting at age 20, get tested at least every two years.
HOW it’s done Your provider can test your blood pressure at a
checkup.
WHY you need it High blood pressure often has no signs. e only
way to know you have it is to be tested. Left
untreated, it can cause a heart attack or stroke.
2. Test for DIABETES
WHEN you need it Starting at age 45, get tested at least every three
years.
HOW it’s done A blood sample is drawn and tested.
WHY you need it ere are only a few symptoms of diabetes in its
early stages. at means it often isn’t diagnosed for
up to 10 years. During this time, it could harm your
heart, eyes, kidneys and nerves.
3. Test for CHOLESTEROL
WHEN you need it Starting at age 20, get tested at least every four to
six years.
HOW it’s done A blood sample is drawn and tested.
WHY you need it Too much cholesterol in your blood can cause a
heart attack. But even when cholesterol is high, you
might not feel sick.
4. Test for COLON CANCER
WHEN you need it Start at 50. ere are many ways to be tested. Some
tests are done every one to two years, others every
5 to 10 years.
HOW it’s done at depends on which test you have. Some tests
can be done at home. Others need to be done at a
clinic or hospital.
WHY you need it Testing can nd growths before they turn into cancer.
staying healthy