Did you know taking a test is preventive?

Sebbo says “please get tested for appropriate procedures for your overall health and ‘peace of mind.”

Mr. Sebbo is beginning our week with sharing his experience of the benefit of getting tested. He says, there are a variety of health tests or exams to consider when you reach a certain age.

“One test/exam/procedure that I feared when I turned 50 was a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy is a safe procedure that tests for colon cancer in people and is preventative in nature. It is non-invasive and uses a small ‘scope’ that is inserted in the rectum that looks for polyps. The doctor will remove any polyps found and test them for any cancerous aspects.

Colonoscopies are recommended for both male and female at age 50 but now, due to the dubious diets of the population and other factors, they are moving the age as low as 40. Of course, if you have symptoms of colitis or related problems or concerns, you may get tested earlier.

This procedure normally takes about 30 minutes or less.You are given a light sedative so you will not feel the probing.  The preparation time is about an hour and you may walk out of the ‘operating’ room with no pain and peace of mind. In my first couple of colonoscopies I was not asleep but felt absolutely no pain.

Colonoscopies are recommended every 5 or 10 years depending on your individual situation.

Please consider a colonoscopy by your age or health condition to have peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

Some other procedures to consider on a regular basis include the following:

Teeth cleaning; two times a year or more often with plaque build up

Hearing– visit an audiologist or nurse practitioner that specializes in hearing for a yearly exam. I recently added an ear cleaning procedure as well, twice a year.

Eye Exam– Get your eyes checked annually by an optometrist for your eye health. Optometrists can also recommend you to an ophthalmologist for cataract surgery if needed when you get older. I had this procedure done five years ago and it has improved my vision health. It is also painless.

These are just a few of the semi-annual, annual, or otherwise periodical health procedures, diagnostics or exams that are usually non-invasive and ‘normal’ for your overall health concerns.

Add these to your already health ‘to do” list of checking your heart rate, blood pressure and blood sugar and other vitals during your annual check-up with your doctor. Please refer to the previous articles on these subjects for more information.

And, remember, GWI is here to assist in your overall health habits and preventative advice”.

Sebbo says “please get tested for appropriate procedures for your overall health and ‘peace of mind.”