Health Plan of San Joaquin | Focus Your Health | Spring 2020

Mother’s Day 2020: The gift of health Age Screening 20 Blood pressure (every two years) and cholesterol (every 4 to 6 years) 21 Cervical cancer: A Pap test every three years 25 Chlamydia and gonorrhea 45 ● Breast cancer screen- ing (mammogram) ● Colorectal cancer screening ● Diabetes screening 55 Lung cancer screening 65 Osteoporosis You’re busy taking care of those you love, and it can be easy to forget to take a moment for yourself. This Mother’s Day, give yourself the gift of health. It’s a good idea to see your primary doctor at least once a year, even when you’re not sick. This is called a wellness checkup. And it gives you the chance to focus on how to be as healthy as you can be. What you can talk about At your checkup, you and your doctor can team up to tackle any changes that might improve your health. For instance, you might talk about: Vaccines you need. Shots aren’t just for kids. Adults need them too. They’re safe— and they can help prevent serious illnesses, like the flu, pneumonia and shingles. Ask your doctor which shots you need. Health screenings. These tests can help spot diseases, like cancer, early. That’s usually when they’re easiest to treat. The screenings you need may change based on your age. Here is what is usually recommended: Your doctor may recommend more screenings based on your needs and medical history. Chronic health problems. A checkup is a good time to review how you’re coping with long-term health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Your medicines. Your doctor can review all your medicines to make sure they’re safe together and working well for you. This includes any herbs, vitamins and over-the- counter medicines you take. Substance use. Ask your doctor for help with smoking, alcohol or drug problems. Your mental health. Let your doctor know if you’re feeling stressed or depressed. Treatment can help. Health starts at home, and we want to help moms make their health a priority by taking these steps to live a safer and healthier life. Visit hpsj.com/ womens-health for more information. Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; U.S. Food and Drug Administration 2 Focus Your Health F O R M O R E