Prioritize Your Health in the New Year with Help from Bronson

Article written by Dr. Ann Busha, primary care provider at Bronson Family Medicine - Portage.

As you ring in a new year, take time to evaluate your health, set goals and make a plan for overall health and wellness. A great way to start is with a visit to your primary care provider.

What can you expect during your annual wellness visit? We will talk to you about your goals and do a few quick tests to see if you are at risk for certain health problems, like diabetes or heart disease. With the results, we can work together to create smart health goals for 2025.

Important Health Numbers You Should Be Tracking

Blood pressure

Two numbers make up your blood pressure. Systolic pressure is the pressure of blood against artery walls when the heart pumps blood out during a heartbeat. For most people, this number should be under 140. Diastolic pressure is the pressure between heartbeats, when the heart fills with blood. For most people, this number should be under 90. With time, high blood pressure can lead to issues like heart disease, stroke, vision loss and dementia.

Cholesterol

There are two main types of cholesterol. Our bodies produce "good" cholesterol (HDL) in the liver. We get "bad" cholesterol (LDL) from some of the foods we eat. If you have too much “bad” cholesterol circulating in your blood, it can lead to health issues like heart disease and stroke. This is why it’s important to have your cholesterol tested. A primary care provider can test your cholesterol using a lipid panel – a test of your LDL, HDL and triglycerides. Adults 18 and older should get this test at least once every three years.

Blood sugar

Blood sugar – also known as glucose – fuels the body. However, if you have too much glucose in your body, it becomes a slow-acting poison. Healthy adults should aim to have a fasting glucose of 100 mg/dL or less. There are many reasons why blood sugar can be too high, including being overweight, the foods you eat, not exercising enough and having too much stress. Over time, high blood sugar can lead to a number of troubling health conditions including diabetes and heart disease.

Body mass index (BMI)

BMI is a measurement of your height and weight. Though it is not always perfect, it is a tool that can help determine if you are at a healthy weight for your height. Being overweight can lead to many health concerns, including high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes. The best way to maintain a healthy weight is to eat well and exercise regularly.

Don't Skip Routine Health Screenings

Routine health screenings are crucial for detecting health concerns like cancer and other chronic conditions. Some common screenings that all adults should get include:

Mammogram

The most effective way to detect breast cancer early is with a mammogram. All women should get a mammogram every year starting at age 40. For women who are at an increased risk for breast cancer due to a genetic mutation like the BRCA gene or a family history may need to begin screening even earlier. You don’t need a referral for mammograms. Learn more and schedule your screening now.

Routine gynecological exam

Women should see an OB/GYN provider each year for routine exams including a pelvic exam, breast exam and/or a pap smear. You don’t need a referral to see an OB/GYN provider. Don’t have an OB/GYN provider? Find one now.

Colonoscopy or other colorectal cancer screening

Colorectal cancer is on the rise, especially amongst younger Americans. No one reason is to blame, but some factors that can lead to diagnosis include poor nutrition, a sedentary lifestyle and smoking. This is why all people ages 45+ should be tested annually. People with a family history of colon cancer or other cancers may need to begin screening earlier. Colonoscopies are the most common screening tool, though there are other less invasive options like a fecal occult blood test (FOB) or fecal immunochemical test (FIT). Your primary care provider can help determine which test is best for you.

Depending on your lifestyle, age, family history and current health status, you may be a candidate for other screenings, like those for lung, skin, cervical or prostate cancer. Talk to your primary care provider to see if you should consider getting any of these screenings.

Vaccines Help Prevent Disease

Each year, you should also talk with your healthcare provider about preventive vaccines you can get:

• Flu vaccine (every fall, everyone ages 6 months and above)
• COVID vaccine and/or booster (everyone ages 6 months and above)
• Shingles vaccine (adults 50-80 years old)

Don’t Ignore Your Mental Health

Taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of your body. Though we all feel stress, anxiety and sadness sometimes, it is important these feelings don’t become overwhelming or ongoing. Chronic stress can lead to major health concerns like:

• Weight gain or weight loss
• Fatigue
• Body aches and pain
• Elevated heart rate, high blood pressure and heart disease
• Gastrointestinal issues
• And more

If you are dealing with chronic stress, a major life challenge or another condition that is affecting your mental wellness, talking with a counselor can help! Learn about the services available at Bronson HelpNet Behavioral Health Specialists.

Take the First Step Toward a Healthy 2025

As one of the nation’s 15 Top Health Systems, Bronson offers high quality care at convenient locations across the region. Whether you need a primary care provider or OB/GYN for your routine healthcare needs or a specialist for your chronic conditions, you’ll find the expertise you need at bronsonhealth.com/find-a-doc.