2008 Woodie Awards
Test positive for good health this year
Dallas Kalmar
Issue date: 12/8/05 Section: Features
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Once you choose to accept the inevitable, deciding which health exam you may need is the next step.
Many tests are age-sensitive, but several are beneficial at any age. If you have health insurance, diagnostic testing can be both affordable and ultimately life saving.
While many young adults exude a sort of immorality, they may be the most susceptible to certain ailments as a result of their ignorance. Writing off strange symptoms as "growing pains" could cost you valuable time.
"I never gave sun-tanning much thought until I noticed the spot on my thigh, which had been there as long as I can remember. But it started changing. I went to have it removed, and the dermatologist confirmed I had malignant melanoma, stage 4. I had no symptoms," said Olivia Walzak, senior, Fairfield.
Heredity plays a major part in the way one's health is determined, and should be considered when visiting your primary care physician (PCP).
"I recently had testing done for cancer, both cervical and skin. I am considered high risk for both due to my family history, and the fact that I tend to sun-worship, so having regular check-ups have become a standard part of my life," said Kristen Lewis, senior, Trumbull.
One disease for which testing is often overlooked is diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, there are 18.2 million Americans with diabetes, and nearly one third of them don't even know they have it. Aside from heart and kidney disease, long term effects of diabetes can result in nerve damage, hearing loss, gluten intolerance and blindness to name a few.
Fortunately, there are two simple tests your doctor can use to determine whether you have pre-diabetes. The fasting plasma glucose test requires fasting the night before and a blood sample, and the oral glucose tolerance test requires a urine sample. Both test are quick, telling physicians how your body metabolizes glucose, and keeps you aware of the next step to take towards healthy living.
Thyroid dysfunction is another quiet culprit often gone unnoticed, that can start as early as your teens and twenties. According to figures from the Thyroid Foundation of America, Inc., approximately 14 million people in the United States suffer some type of thyroid dysfunction, while more than nine million of these people don't even realize they're sick.