Preventive health screenings are one of the most powerful tools to catch problems early before symptoms appear.

Michelle Rasmussen, MD, is a family medicine physician with Salem Health. Dr. Rasmussen said there are several screenings to consider based on age and risk factors.

Preventive screenings

That includes blood pressure starting at age three, cholesterol screenings by at least age 40 and diabetes screenings for overweight adults over the age of 35.

“Most of the things we’re screening for don’t give symptoms, but we know if we neglect them it can impact quality and quantity of life later,” said Dr. Rasmussen.

The primary care physician said she gives recommendations on lifestyle and treatment measures to ensure quality of life over time.

“Blood pressure often doesn’t cause symptoms for the first ten years when elevated,” said Dr. Rasmussen. “When I treat blood pressure now, I’m treating for 10, 20, 30 years from now.”

Family history

Dr. Rasmussen said when considering screenings, she also pays attention to family history.

“Diabetes is one we pay a lot of attention to in the family history,” she said. “People can do just about everything right and still be at risk. Early heart attack is another family risk factor we want to recognize early.”

Dr. Rasmussen said annual physical exams are a time to look at the patient’s full story.

“We have a checklist that we go through based on age, gender and lifestyle,” she said. “If someone has been a smoker, we start screening for lung cancer at a certain point. We look at risks they’ve been exposed to.”

Improving access to care

The physician said Salem Health is making it easier for patients to get these screenings.

“Improving access is a top priority at Salem Health,” said Dr. Rasmussen. “Over the last year we’ve made major improvements in reducing barriers so people can come in for their yearly preventive care.”

Dr. Rasmussen is encouraging patients to make time for these appointments.

“By prioritizing our own health, we can take care of our loved ones,” she said. “To care for others, we have to care for ourselves. You won’t recognize you’re having problems without getting regular assessments.”

Primary care

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