Regular health screenings are very important in preventative healthcare. They’re instrumental in detecting the onset or presence of a condition at the earliest time possible, when the body is most able to respond to treatments.

Every member of the family regardless of age should get regular health screenings. The tests each one needs will depend on the person’s age, sex, medical history and risk factors for specific diseases.

Hurtt Family Health Clinic offers affordable health screenings, even for patients without insurance. As a low cost family medical clinic, our services include screenings for adults and children, including specialized screenings for women.

 

Health Screening for Women

Screenings for women are often done according to the patient’s age. As a person gets older and becomes more at risk to chronic and acute diseases, the number of needed screenings also increases. Additionally, menopause may increase women’s risks to certain diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, stroke, breast cancer and colorectal cancer.

Among the recommended screenings for women are:

Breast examinations – Recommended starting at the age of 21
Mammograms – Recommended starting at the age of 40
Osteoporosis tests – Recommended starting at the of 65 or at 60 for women weighing 154 lbs. or less
Birth control and STD testing – Recommended for sexually active women regardless of age
Genetic testing – for certain conditions, such as fragile X syndrome and Tay-Sachs disease
Hormone testing
Pelvic exams and PAP tests – Recommended every one to two years for women aged 21 and above, or have been sexually active
Cervical cancer screening – Recommended for women aged 21 to 65
Colorectal cancer screening – Recommended starting at the age of 40

 

Health Screening for Infants and Children

Health screening for children depends on their age. Infants are usually examined for their growth and development, and from 9 months onwards, they may be tested for hemoglobin and tuberculosis. Starting at age 4, annual check-ups are recommended, which may include tests like finger stick for hemoglobin, urinalysis, and vision and hearing screening.

 

Routine Health Screening for Adults

In addition to the previously mentioned tests for women, the US Preventive Services Task Force and the National Institutes of Health have recommended annual screenings for the following conditions among adults, as well as children who might be at risk:

  • Blood pressure exams
  • Cholesterol
  • Depression
  • Diabetes
  • Prostate cancer (for men)
  • Sexually transmitted diseases
  • Obesity

Annual screenings for the following conditions are also recommended:

  • Cardiovascular diseases
  • Diabetes
  • Liver injury
  • Thyroid
  • Kidney disease
  • Pulmonary disease
  • Thyroid condition
  • Cancer

Some of the methods used to screen for these conditions include:

  • Ultrasound
  • EKG (electrocardiogram)
  • Finger-stick screening for cholesterol, glucose and C-reactive protein
  • Blood testing
  • Fecal testing
  • Urinalysis
  • Colonoscopy

Hurtt Family Health Clinic has laboratories and equipment for the various screenings needed by patients, or may provide affordable referrals. As a low cost clinic / FQHC clinic, we make these services available to the homeless, uninsured and low income patients through our community programs. Set your appointment today!

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