Top Ten Preventive Measures Against Diseases

There are things you can do to help prevent disease. Many of them are cheap and simple. Ideally, they prevent disease from occurring.

1. Cholesterol screening. This should be done in those with a strong family history of lipid disease or for those who are 35 years of age (men) or 45 years of age (women).

2. Reduce your weight. People with above normal Body Mass Index (23 for Asians and 25 for Non-Asians) are at higher risks of developing dreaded cardiovascular diseases and cancers. (Body Mass =Weight in Kg Divide by Square of Height in Meters).

3. Screening for high blood pressure can save lives. High blood pressure can contribute to strokes, heart disease and kidney disease, among others. Screening for high blood pressure can be as simple as checking the blood pressure at the pharmacy.

4. Immunizations help. This includes immunizations against hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, Hemophilus influenza disease, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, chicken pox, pneumonia and influenza. Even adults have immunizations they need to take, including pneumonia and influenza. Young adult females need immunizations for cervical cancer.

5. Smoking cessation will prevent considerable disease, including diseases of the lungs, the heart and certain types of cancer.

6. Screening for alcohol abuse and counseling against alcohol abuse can help. Alcoholics have an increased risk of liver disease, vascular disease, accidents, injuries and violent encounters.

7. Colorectal screening includes a flexible sigmoidoscopy exam, a colonoscopy exam, and stool tests for blood in the stool. Colon cancer is one of the commonest cancers in Singapore and the US. Consider getting a Colonoscopy if you are above 50 years old.

8. Cervical cancer screening and immunization for HPV. These measures can prevent advanced cervical cancer by screening for disease or preventing the precursor disease altogether. Immunizations for HPV are given to teens and young women to prevent the onset of cervical cancer in the first place. Cervical screening can detect precancerous changes in the cervix.

9. Discuss with your doctor about “One a Day Aspirin”. This is a good thing for diabetics and those at risk for heart disease by virtue of previous heart disease or family history. It is a somewhat controversial preventative treatment because it has been found that it was helpful only in those with moderate to high risk of disease. You should consult your doctor first before taking this advice.

10. Vision screening. This can help improve the quality of life of just about anyone but especially for the elderly who can easily trip and fall due to poor vision. Up to a quarter of the elderly are wearing the wrong prescription strength glasses.