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Predicting Your Future: Mitigating Risk Against the World's Top Killers

Introduction: Four major diseases are most likely to shorten our lives: Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD), Cancer, Alzheimer’s, and Diabetes. Too often, we go about our daily lives unaware of these threats until they suddenly impact us. However, those of us pursuing longevity can take a more proactive approach. Advances in modern medicine now provide us with the tools to effectively assess our health risks and current status. By understanding our individual health landscape today, we can make informed decisions that may slow, halt, or even reverse the progression of these potentially life-threatening conditions. In this post, we’ll explore these four predominant health challenges that most people face and offer guidance on conducting a self-assessment, helping you know precisely what to discuss with your doctor during your next visit

1. Heart Health (Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease - ASCVD)

• What to Check:

  • Family History: Does heart disease run in your family? This can increase your risk.

  • Lifestyle Factors: How often do you exercise? What's your diet like? Do you smoke? These factors significantly impact heart health.

• Tests to Consider:

  • Lipid Panel: A simple blood test to check cholesterol levels.

  • CAC Score: An imaging test to look for plaque buildup in your arteries, helping to predict heart disease risk.

2. Cancer

• What to Check:

  • Family History and Genetic Risk: Are there types of cancer that occur often in your family?

  • Lifestyle and Exposure: Do you smoke? How often are you in the sun without sunscreen? Do you work with chemicals? These can all affect your cancer risk.

• Screenings to Consider:

  • Personalized Screenings: Depending on your age and family history, you might need screenings like mammograms (for breast cancer) or colonoscopies (for colon cancer).

3. Diabetes

• What to Check:

  • Signs of High Blood Sugar: Frequent thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, and feeling tired often can be warning signs.

• Tests to Consider:

  • HbA1c Test: A blood test that shows your average level of blood sugar over the past three months.

4. Brain Health (Neurodegenerative Diseases, Including Alzheimer's Disease)

• What to Understand:

  • Alzheimer’s Disease: This is a common form of dementia that leads to problems with memory, thinking, and behavior.

  • Other Neurodegenerative Diseases: These include conditions like Parkinson's Disease and Huntington’s Disease, which affect movement or mental functioning.

• What to Check:

  • Family History: Do these diseases run in your family?

  • Early Symptoms: Notice any changes like memory lapses, trouble completing familiar tasks, or mood swings.

• Assessments to Consider:

  • Cognitive Screening Tests: These are simple tests that can help detect early signs of cognitive decline.

Actionable Tips: Discuss with your doctor about scheduling:

• For ASCVD: A Lipid Panel and CAC Score.

• For Cancer:

  • Personalized screenings based on your age and risk factors such as:

    • Mammograms: Recommended annually or biennially for women starting at age 40, especially important if there's a family history of breast cancer.

    • Colonoscopies: Generally recommended starting at age 45 for both men and women, earlier if there's a family history of colorectal cancer or genetic predispositions like Lynch syndrome.

    • Pap Smears and HPV Testing: Women should begin cervical cancer screening at age 21 and continue through age 65, with the frequency depending on age and previous test results.

    • Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Test: Men may start discussing prostate cancer screening with their doctor from age 50, or earlier if they have a family history of prostate cancer.

    • Skin Exams: Both self-exams and professional evaluations are advised if there's a personal or family history of skin cancer, or for those with high exposure to UV light.

• For Diabetes: An HbA1c Test.

• For Neurodegenerative Diseases: Cognitive Screening Tests.

Stat Fact: Heart disease is the leading cause of death globally, responsible for nearly 18 million deaths annually, followed by cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Conclusion: Proactively managing your health against the "Big Four" diseases involves knowing your risk factors and engaging in early detection strategies. By understanding your current health status and making informed decisions about testing and lifestyle adjustments, you can greatly enhance your chances for a healthier, more vibrant life.

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