20 x June 21 — July 4, 2018 x www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com As the famous quote by Benjamin Franklin goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” which is true for your annual physical exam, as well. Most common medical problems don’t present with any symptoms until after a serious event occurs, like a heart attack, stroke or complications from diabetes. If your blood pressure gradually increases, you may not notice it, but having high blood pressure is one of the major risk factors for having a stroke. Similarly, high cholesterol and heart DON’T MISS OUT ON FUTURE ISSUES! Delivered to your mailbox or inbox. 407-351-1573 www.southwestorlandobulletin.com MATTER OF HEALTH The Importance of Annual Checkups by Gary Visser, M.D., FAAFP PremierMED Family & Sports Medicine 2940 Maguire Road, Suite 200, Ocoee, 407-581-9065 • www.premierfsm.com disease may not develop any symptoms until you have chest pain, when blood flow to the heart has reduced to a critical point. Diabetes, which can cause increased thirst and urination, is sometimes not found until a complication develops, and the sugar level is checked. Unlike an injury that causes pain, these common medical problems sometimes don’t have any warning symptoms, which is why getting an annual checkup is so important. Preventative medicine, or having an annual medical checkup, may help reduce the development of these serious problems. During an annual checkup, vital signs, such as blood pressure, body mass index and heart rate, are checked; a physical exam is done; and, most of the time, screening labs, too. Based on your medical history and age, certain vaccines also may be recommended. If you’ve had chicken pox, then you’re at risk of developing shingles. One of the newer vaccines indicated for adults 50 years and older, called Shingrix, has recently become available as another option to help prevent this painful skin rash. A tetanus shot should be done every 10 years, unless you plan on having a baby or will be around a newborn. If that’s the case, the Tdap, which is the tetanus shot plus the pertussis vaccine, should be provided as a booster. Other adult vaccines, such as the pneumonia vaccine, which is normally provided at age 65 unless there is a medical problem that requires it earlier, would also be reviewed during your annual preventative visit. Along with the common medical problems that may not have any warning signs until a significant event occurs, cancer can also develop without any symptoms. Breast, colon, cervical, prostate and lung cancers each have recommended screening tests based on age, gender, family history and if you smoke or have a history of smoking. Your unique family history should also be considered to help decide if any extra testing should be done. Other important parts of a person’s health are diet and exercise. The general guidelines include a balanced diet and moderate physical activity 150 minutes a week, plus 75 minutes of vigorous activity. However, each one of us is different and may require a modified activity level or a certain diet based on the results of a physical exam. The time is now to focus on an ounce of prevention, so schedule your annual medical checkup today. ª At The Pool Pleaser II, We are here to please! The New Robotic Cleaner is HERE! pentair VSF pumps have a $100 manufacturer rebate TILL SEPT. 30 15% off filter elements and maintenance items with this coupon $40 8/31/2018
www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com x June 21 — July 4, 2018 x 21 WE HAVE MOVED! 2940 Maguire Road, Suite 200, Ocoee, FL 34761 Now accepting all Disney Cigna plans Located in the back of the Meadow Ridge Shopping Center Adam Langley, M.D. | Gary Visser, M.D. | Ferdinand Brits, M.D. Heather Sheldon, ARNP | Carolyn Knopfle, ARNP