Health care is in the midst of a grand transformation. What were once the leading causes of death in our country – acute illness and infections – are now taking a back seat to chronic diseases. Seven out of 10 adults who die each year, do so from a chronic disease.

The leading cause of death in the United States is heart disease, followed by cancer, stroke, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and diabetes. And, for the most part, these conditions can be preventable, modifiable and/or curable.

Preventative medicine has become a major focus in our approach and delivery of 21st century health care. Certain steps can be taken to prevent the development of these chronic diseases, or significantly minimize their impact and long-term sequelae. An individual does not have to succumb to the same diagnostic fate of their parents or grandparents.

Steps for health, longevity

Long-term health and wellness begins with choices made today. Personal habits and behavior definitely affect our health – be it positive or negative. Whether you smoke, drink excessively, eat too much, choose not to exercise, sleep poorly or obsessively stress, it all affects your mind and body. Instead, replace health-stripping habits and behavior with: healthy nutrition, regular exercise, consistent and appropriate sleep every night and adopt effective ways to minimize the physical and emotional impact of daily stressors.

In addition, see your doctor yearly for a physical. A good way to remember this is to schedule a physical the month of your birthday, this way you will never forget. For a woman, a physical is much more than just a pap and breast exam. Rather, a physical for women and men is a complete head-to-toe examination of your body. It includes: ears, eyes, nose, throat, heart, lungs, abdomen, neurologic, muscle and skeletal, skin, breast, genital and rectal (based on age).

In addition, in-office screening tests are done, such as blood pressure, vision, hearing, and urine.

Age appropriate screening tests are an important part of a wellness exam. The following are general guidelines:

• Starting at age 18, women should have a yearly breast exam done by their healthcare provider. This is the beginning of breast cancer screening.

• A pap (screening for cervical cancer) begins at age 21, or sooner if sexually active, then yearly thereafter.

• A mammogram is an X-ray that screens for breast cancer, and begins at age 40, then yearly thereafter.

• A bone density test (DEXA) typically begins around the age of menopause (average age 51). It is a screening test for Osteoporosis. This test checks the density of bones in the lower back and hips.

Men and women should undergo colon cancer screening beginning at age 50. Sooner, depending upon family history. For example, if your father was diagnosed with colon cancer at age 50, your first colonoscopy should be 10 years earlier, or at age 40. A colonoscopy is the “gold standard,” or medically preferred exam. Follow-up colonoscopies are typically done again at 3 to 10 year intervals, depending upon results.

Blood work also is an important part of a yearly preventative healthcare check-up. Blood work may be done more often, depending upon if you are on certain prescription medications, and/or if you have certain medical conditions.

Generally, yearly screening should include a lipid panel. This checks your total cholesterol, LDL (low density lipoprotein), HDL (high density lipoprotein or good cholesterol) and triglycerides (fats in the blood). All adults should have their blood sugar check yearly to screen for diabetes. Men should have a PSA (prostatic specific antigen) checked to screen for prostate cancer, beginning at age 50, and every year thereafter.

So, be sure to see your doctor yearly for a complete physical, age appropriate screening tests and blood work. Help yourself live a healthier and longer life.

Dr. Linda Petter of Auburn is a weekly feature on the ABC affiliate KOMO TV/News Radio (1000 AM & 97.7 FM) every Sunday live 7:45 a.m., and for the Auburn Reporter.  She trained at the Mayo Clinic and the University of Illinois, Carle Hospital. Dr. Petter is chief of the Department of Family Practice at St. Francis Hospital in Federal Way. She is a consumer health care advocate, and her books. “Healthcare On a Budget” and “Common Medical Sense”, are available on Amazon.com. Please visit her website, www.DocForAll.com, or call her office 253-568-0841.