Questions for my patients

Are you exercising? (Please say yes, please say yes!). You should be exercising a minimum of 30 minutes five days a week. Remember, walking and swimming count.

Are you eating healthfully? Ask me for a heart healthy handout.

Have you had your yearly physical? Women, if you have had a hysterectomy, you still need a yearly physical with a bimanual exam.

Have you had your mammogram? Should be done yearly. Baseline mammogram at age 35 then yearly starting at age 40.

Have you had your prostate checked? Should be done yearly with a blood test and digital rectal exam.

Have you had your colonoscopy? Recommended at age 50 for colon cancer screening. Should get it done earlier if a family history of colon cancer or if any changes in bowel movements.

Have you had your pneumovax (pneumonia shot)? Should get it at age 65. Need to get it earlier if you have heart disease, diabetes, or any other major medical problem. It protexts you against the most serious type of pneumonia.

Have you had a tetanus shot within the past ten years? Ask me for one if you haven't.

There may be other things you need done if you have a family history of certain cancers or other medical problems. Ask me.