What Prevention Screening Do I Need? Doctors can detect a number of medical conditions in their early, treatable stages by doing screening tests. Some of these tests may be done as part of your annual check-up. Some of these tests are more involved and require a referral to a specialist. Common areas for medical screening and their implications include: Diabetes -Diabetes results from an inability to produce enough insulin or an inability to respond appropriately to the insulin that already exists in your body. In many cases, but not all, diabetes develops when you are overweight. When untreated, diabetes dramatically increases the risk of heart disease, strokes, kidney disease, blindness, and circulation problems. Well-controlled diabetes, however, will have a much more limited impact on your long-term health. Dr. Nancy Neighbors works with diabetic specialists in nutrition, ophthalmology, podiatry, and kidney diseases. If you develop diabetes Dr. Nancy Neighbors and these specialists will work with you to limit any complications from diabetes. Blood Pressure - Many people develop high blood pressure, or hypertension, as they get older. The cause of high blood pressure is unknown in most cases, though it tends to run in families. Hypertension does not cause symptoms, but over many years it will damage blood vessels leading to an increased risk of stroke, heart disease, kidney disease, dementia, and circulation problems. Healthy weight, regular exercise, and limited salt in your diet can help control blood pressure. When these lifestyle changes do not adequately control blood pressure, there are many medications that can be used. Cholesterol - Like blood pressure, cholesterol may rise as we get older. The tendency toward high cholesterol is inherited, though a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet will further increase cholesterol. High cholesterol increases the risk of heart disease, strokes, and circulation problems. Healthy weight, regular exercise, and a balanced diet will help control cholesterol. When these lifestyle changes do not adequately control cholesterol, a number of medicines can be used. Anxiety and Depression - Everyone has days when stress builds up. These times come and go as a natural part of life. Sometimes, however, the stress of life seems too much to bear. Depression or anxiety may develop during family troubles, a recent death, relationship problems, a job loss, financial difficulties, or any other overwhelming situation. Sometimes you may feel emotionally paralyzed by a problem you cannot even identify or explain. Treatment of anxiety and depression can have a dramatic impact on your ability to enjoy life and work. There are a number of treatment options, including medications and psychotherapy. Weight Management - Weight management is a prominent problem for people with and without other medical problems like diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. The initial approach to weight management requires attention to one’s diet and regular exercise. The most recent studies show that low carbohydrate diets are most effective for weight loss. Dr. Nancy Neighbors works with an excellent nutritionist that can help you think about how you eat, what you eat, when you eat, and why you eat. In addition to diet and exercise a number of prescription medications safely promote and maintain weight loss. Dr. Nancy Neighbors will discuss how to combine lifestyle changes with medications to develop the best plan for you. Depending on genetics, medical history and other factors, additional areas may be candidates for screening test. All tests are personalized. Dr. Nancy Neighbors recognizes that modern, westernized medicine, for all of its strengths, does not adequately address many aspects of health and illness. At its worst, modern medicine overlooks holistic health and treats the diseases or organ systems rather than the illnesses. Dr. Nancy Neighbors brings the best of both modern medicine and alternative medicine to bear for you by working with colleagues who practice acupuncture, chiropractic therapy, massage, yoga, nutrition assessment, and physical therapy. This approach may be particularly helpful when managing chronic painful conditions. Tell Me More about Concierge Physicians in Huntsville, Alabama. Exit |