Take a Loved One to the Doctor is a campaignencouraging people to take charge of their ownhealth and then to encourage their loved ones todo the same. The message is all about preventionand letting people know that going to the doctor,being active and eating right are necessary for alonger, happier and healthier life.

The goal of the Take a Loved One to the Doctor isto encourage families and others to join togetherto promote good health in our communities bytaking a loved one for a health screening, makingand keeping an appointment to see a licensedphysician or other health care provider. Attendhealth events, or help a friend, neighbor or familymember do the same during the month ofSeptember and throughout the year. To find out ifa physician is licensed go to:https://www.flhealthsource.gov/

Prevention and treatment will help to combatpreventable diseases among Floridians.

Participating in these health activities, startswith a decision. We must each take charge of our own health.

Recommended Health Exams and ScreeningsWOMENnWeight, BMI and Waist Measurement –Yearly*nBlood Pressure–Age 18 every 1-2 years*nBreast Exam–Age 20+ every 1-2 years*nMammogram–Age 40-74 every 1-2 years*nPelvic Exam/Pap Test–Age 21-70 every 1-3 yearsnDiabetes–Age 45 every 3 years*nCholesterol–LDL and HDL Age 45+ every 5 years*nColorectal Exams–Age 50-75 every 5-10 years*nSkin Exam–Self check monthly, Age 20 – every 3 years*–Age 40 every year*

nDental–1-2 times every year*nEye Exam – Age 20 - 40 initial exam*–Age 40 every 2-4 *Check with your health care provider forrecommendation based on your age, health andmedical history.

MENnWeight, BMI and Waist Measurement – Yearly*nBlood Pressure–every 1-2 years*nDiabetes–Age 45 every 3 years*nCholesterol/Lipid Panel–Age 35+ every 5 years*nColorectal Screening–Age 50-75 every 5 years or asneeded*

nProstate PSA–Age 50-75 – Discuss with health careprovider*

nDental–1-2 times every year*nVision/Glaucoma–Every 2-4 years*nSkin Exam–Every 1-3 years**Check with your health care provider forrecommendation based on your age, health andmedical history.

For additional information, contact us at:Office of Minority Health and Health Equity

4052 Bald Cypress Way, BIN A-25Tallahassee, Fl 32399850-245-4941

MinorityHealthHealthEquity@flhealth.gov

Take a Loved OneTo the Doctor

ReferencesWhy should I go to the doctor?n http://www.everydayhealth.com/healthy-living/getting-regular-checkups.aspx

n https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007465.htm

Health screening and exams:n http://www.cdc.gov/family/checkup/n http://www.womens-health-advice.com/screenings.html#chart

n http://www.idph.state.il.us/menshealth/screening.htm

n http://www.choosemyplate.gov/physical-activity-why

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Why You Should Go, or Take Someone to the Doctor?You see a doctor regularly because investing the time inyour physical body is the most precious gift that you canever give yourself or a family member. No one knows justhow long they will live and many of us don’t know whattype of illnesses we are predisposed to, but a doctor canfind out. Knowing that you are healthy is also a great wayto boost energy and breathe new life into each and everyday.

By planning annual exams and check-ups it is much easierto stay aware of the state of your health. By getting routineblood work for things like diabetes, hypertension, highcholesterol and other common diseases, you are moreequipped to deal with them in a timely manner. Thebenefit of having annual doctor visits, provides you withearly diagnosis and treatment of existing health problemsand prevention of future problems.

You Should...Maintain a Healthy WeightReaching and maintaining a healthy weight is importantfor overall health and can help you prevent and controlmany diseases and conditions. If you are overweight orobese, you are at a higher risk of developing serious healthproblems, including heart disease, high blood pressure,type 2 diabetes, gallstones, breathing problems, andcertain cancers. That is why maintaining a healthy weightis so important.

Be Physically ActiveRegular physical activity is important for good health, andit's especially important if you're trying to lose weight or tomaintain a healthy weight.

Being physically active can help you:nBurn calories to help you lose or maintain weight.nStrengthen your heart and improves your bloodcirculation.

nReduce high blood pressure.nReduce risk for type 2 diabetes, heart attack, stroke, andseveral forms of cancer.

nReduce arthritis pain and associated disability.nReduce risk for osteoporosis and falls.nReduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Know Your Family Health HistoryA family medical history can identify people with a higher-than-usual chance of having common disorders, such asheart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, certain cancers,and diabetes. These complex disorders are influenced by acombination of genetic factors, environmental conditions,and lifestyle choices. A family history can also provideinformation about the risk of rarer conditions caused bymutations in a single gene, such as cystic fibrosis and sicklecell anemia.

Knowing one’s family medical history allows one to takesteps to reduce his or her risk. Additionally, lifestylechanges such as adopting a healthier diet, getting regularexercise, and quitting smoking help many people lowerchances of developing heart disease and other commonillnesses.

September is alsoSickle Cell Disease Month!Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a genetic conditionthat is present at birth. In SCD, the red blood cellsbecome hard and sticky and look like a C-shapedfarm tool called a “sickle.” The sickle cells die early,which causes a constant shortage of red blood cells.Also, when they travel through small blood vessels,they get stuck and clog the blood flow. This cancause pain and other serious problems. It is inheritedwhen a child receives two sickle cell genes—one fromeach parent. A person with SCD can pass thedisease or Sickle Cell Trait (SCT) on to his or herchildren.Sickle Cell Trait is not a disease, but having itmeans that a person has inherited the sickle cellgene from one of his or her parents. People with SCTusually do not have any of the symptoms of SCDand live a normal life.

Why is it important to know yourSickle Cell Status?n SCD is an inherited disease. One which is passedfrom parents to their children through their genes.

nMost people with SCT do not have any symptomsof SCD, although in very rare cases people withSCT might experience health complications.

Do you know your or your child’sSickle Cell Status?n All babies born in the United States after 2006were tested for SCD as a part of the newbornscreen.

n If you were born before 2006 and your status isunknown.

n Contact your primary care physicianabout testing.

n You may also contact the Sickle CellDisease Association of American at(800) 421-8543 or visit their website atwww.sicklecelldisease.org to find testinglocations in your community.

Take a familymember, neighbor or friend totheir yearly doctor visit.

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