1. Protect yourself from respiratory and other viruses with recommended vaccinations
The winter months are an important time to take steps to protect yourself against respiratory viruses and getting vaccinated is the best way to do this. THE flu vaccine reduces your risk of getting the flu by 40-60%. If you get the flu, your symptoms will likely be milder and you’ll be less likely to be hospitalized. Depending on your situation, it may also be appropriate to get vaccinated against other respiratory viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2 which causes COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus, also known as RSV.
Other important vaccines that adults should receive or stay up to date include the tetanus vaccine or Tdap; the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine; the meningococcal vaccine; the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine and the shingles vaccine. You can easily check your vaccination records by visiting the Wisconsin Immunization Registry. If you use MyGraphyou will also receive vaccination reminder messages. Many vaccines are available at Froedtert pharmacies.
2. Get an Annual Physical or Annual Wellness Visit
Regular health exams, such as your annual physical or annual wellness visit if you have Medicare, help detect common and treatable illnesses and conditions. When you are part of a primary care team at the Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin Health Network, you have access to the best specialists and the latest treatments, and your primary care team can help you coordinate referrals and appointments to get you to the doctor. office earlier. All your health records are in one place, making it easier and faster for you to get care.
During your annual physical, it’s a good idea to do blood tests to check cholesterol and blood sugar levels as well as kidney and liver function. During the appointment, your doctor, physician assistant or nurse practitioner can also direct you to appropriate resources regarding alcohol, depression or social and financial issues.
3. Schedule your routine health checkups
Screenings are used to detect or manage diseases and conditions like cancer, stroke, heart disease and diabetes. Based on your results, your doctor will help you develop a prevention or treatment plan and refer you to a specialist if necessary. Most screenings can be done at your Froedtert & MCW Health Center thanks to imaging and laboratory services.
Mammography
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women. Early detection with screening mammography can increase your chances of survival. From the age of 40, for women at average risk, it is important to regularly discuss the possibility of having a mammogram with a doctor.
Colon cancer screening
Colon cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer among men and women in the United States, but it is highly curable if detected early. You should have your first colon and rectal cancer screening at age 45 if you are at risk and continue screening until age 75. Colon cancer screening can be done in the hospital with a colonoscopy or at home with non-invasive stool-based tests, such as Cologuard.®.
Prostate cancer screening
One in seven men will develop prostate cancer. For most men, the risk of prostate cancer increases at age 50. For African-American men, it is 45 years. Talk to a doctor about your risk factors and find out if any prostate cancer screening is made for you.
In addition to routine screenings, your healthcare team may also recommend specific screenings, based on your risk factors and medical history. For example, an optional screening that may be considered for people at higher risk of heart disease is called Coronary calcium CT. Another newer screening for people at higher risk of cancer is a blood test that can detect five different cancers before symptoms appear, called a blood test. Galleries® test. It can detect breast, cervical, colorectal, lung and prostate cancer.
Some health exams are 100% covered by insurance, but many are not. It is important to check your insurance coverage before planning.
4. Prioritize good sleep, a healthy diet and regular physical activity
Sleep, diet and exercise impact your body’s ability to function, from your immune system to your metabolism and even your cognitive abilities.
- Adults should get at least seven hours of sleep per night on a regular basis, depending on the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
- For a heart-healthy diet, American Heart Association recommends a Mediterranean-style diet, consisting of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds, dairy, eggs, fish and lean meat.
- THE Guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control say adults should get 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week, or about 30 minutes a day, five days a week.
If you have a question or need help setting a health goal, your primary care team can help. You can talk about it during your annual appointment or send a message to your healthcare team via My chart. You can also explore the Wellness Marketan online platform that offers a curated selection of products and services to help you meet common health and wellness needs. Froedtert & MCW Health Network is collaborating with Vale Health to bring clinician-approved products to the market in categories such as sleep; weight, diet and nutrition; exercise; mental well-being; women’s health and home vital monitoring.
Find a primary care doctor or clinician that’s right for you by viewing videos and profiles on froedtert.com/doctors.