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.



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