A Time For Change Magazine - Working Toward Wellness

Fall 2012
SMART
STEPS
TO LIVE LONGER
Personal Health Guide
TRUE OR
OR FALSE
1. A waist circumference of 80 cm
(31.5 in) puts a woman at risk for
type 2 diabetes, heart disease,
and high blood pressure.
2. HDL cholesterol is the “good”
cholesterol.
3. A family history of a chronic
disease doesn’t change your
screening recommendations.
4. When your blood pressure is low,
your heart has to work harder to
push blood through the vessels.
5. Health screening tests can help
catch health problems before
they become larger issues.
See answers on page 14
T F
T F
T F
T F
T F
&
HEALTH SCREENING
TRACKING CARD
Health screenings are one of the most important things you
can do for your health. “Screening” refers to a test or exam
done to find a condition before symptoms start. Your health
care provider (HCP) will let you know which screenings you’re
due for, but it’s just as important for you to be aware of the
tests available and what your results mean.
If you see your HCP on an annual basis for a checkup, they’re
likely performing a few basic health screenings at that time.
Your blood pressure and body mass index are commonly taken
during routine exams. If needed, your HCP is able to refer you
for more specialized screenings (e.g., blood work for cholesterol
and glucose measures). Making the effort to see your HCP
annually, not just when you’re sick, is an important step in
taking care of your overall health and well-being.
Traditionally, women are more likely to visit their HCP for
annual checkups. In fact, according to Canada’s Health Profile,
88% of women (20 years and older) had contact with a medical
doctor in the previous 12 months compared to 77% of men
(Statistics Canada, 2010a).
Certain factors (e.g., age, gender, race) or your family history
of chronic disease may require you to start screening earlier
or more often than the general population. For example,
having a parent with heart disease is a major risk factor for
developing heart disease yourself and may lead your HCP
to request cholesterol screenings annually. Ensure your HCP
is aware of your family history so they can recommend the
proper screening.
This Personal Health Guide will provide you with an overview
of the most common health screenings, target zones for your
results, as well as a tracking card for your personal records.
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