Jain Digest 1997 11

SR No.: 527069
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA
Publication Year: 1997
Total Pages: 36
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, USA_Jain Digest, & USA
File Size: 8 MB

Page 21

FOR OUR HEALTH
by Dr. Dilip Shah, Chicago, Illinois
The annual 'head to toe' checkup has been relegated to the history books. In recent years, targeted 'periodic health examination' tailored to the individual's age, family history, and risk factors have become popular. Every physician has learned the value of detailed history-taking in disease prevention and diagnosis. Timely screening and counseling can prevent stroke, heart disease, and cancer.
Why you need a physical examination
Periodic checkups include:
• Thorough history taking
• Counseling for a low saturated fat diet, regular exercise, calcium supplements hormone supplements for women, and cessation of smoking,
• Regular eye examinations and checkups for glaucoma.
⚫ A review of all currently prescribed medications and a discussion of their interactions.
⚫ Screening tests as outlined below.
Screening Tests
The various health groups such as the U.S. Preventive Service Task Force, American College of Physicians (ACP) and American Cancer Society make somewhat differing recommendations. The following tests, however, are considered appropriate for adults in good health.
Blood Pressure (BP): BP should be checked during every visit to the doctor, or at least once a year. No definite statistics of its prevalence in Indians are available. Even mild elevation can lead to heart attacks, stroke and kidney disease. Nine out of ten cases have no known cause (idiopathic) for high blood pressure. Dietary salt restrictions, weight reductions, and moderate exercises, are the first steps before drug therapy is prescribed.
Cholesterol, Triglycerides and Blood Sugar: This screening is advised after the age of 35 for men and 45 for women. With a strong family history of premature heart disease, this screening should be done earlier. Cholesterol breakdown test (LIPID Profile) for good (HDL) and bad (LDL) cholesterol is necessary before dietary or drug therapy is prescribed.
Colon and Rectal Cancer: A panel appointed by an agency for health care policy concluded that deaths from bowel cancer can be reduced by one-third by a screening test. Men and women of 50 and older can choose among various tests: an annual stool test for occult blood, sigmoidoscopy every five years, barium enema every five to ten years, or colonoscopy every ten years. Those with previous colon polyps or cancer in the family should have this test more frequently.
Clinical Breast Examination: An annual breast examination by a physician for women over 50.
Mammography: Major medical groups agree that over the age of 50, women should have a mammogram every one to two years to detect breast
cancer.
Prostrate Cancer: An annual digital rectal examination for all men over the age of 40 and a blood PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) screening test after the age of 50. The good news is that more than 65% of men with high PSA levels do not have prostate cancer. The occurrence of this type of cancer within a father or brother is a reason for an early screening test.
Pap Smear (PAP) for Cervical Cancer: Women should consider this simple test every one to three years after the age of 18 until the age of 65. Immunizations: People 65 years or older should have a pneumonia vaccine (usually given once) and an annual influenza vaccine every fall. In summary, this is a guideline for the group in general. However, individual needs and frequency of testing can be different due to personal and family history and the physician's practice pattern.
REGIONAL NEWS (continued)
Southwest continued from page 10
days which influenced our thinking about religion, Karma, Pap and Punya and many spiritual issues. Our Jain Pathshala is doing well and the children are learning even more than adults.
New year was celebrated with Snatra Puja, followed by fiesta lunch. We have received $5000 donation from JAINA Charitable Trust towards building of new Derasar and Jain center in Tulsa. We are moving forward to realize our dream and we
will be mailing out to all Jain centers our detailed plan for our Derasar and Jain center to raise funds. We count on your support Our election will be in December for new officers for year 1998. Please contact Kanti Shah 918/369-3163.
JAIN DIGEST. WINTER 1997/19 www.jainelibrary.org