Monday, February 13, 2012

Health Screening Procedures & Fitness

A combination of weight lifting and cardio creates a balanced workout to achieve maximum fitness.


When properly combined, health screening procedures and fitness prevent many physical and mental ailments to achieve optimal health. Health screening procedures usually involve tests or exams that catch diseases or conditions in their early stages so they're easier to treat. Doctors commonly screen for breast or cervical cancer in women, colorectal cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, osteoporosis and prostate cancer in men. Fitness entails regular exercise and nutrition programs that promote a healthy lifestyle.


Types


Health screening procedures range from blood analyses to culture samples to immunizations. Advice from a doctor and regular measurements of body characteristics may also be included in health screenings. Types of fitness includes cardiovascular, muscular and musculoskeletal health with a nutrition plan to address health concerns such as weight, cholesterol, high blood pressure and illnesses. For overall health, many types of health screenings should be combined with a regular fitness program as recommended by a doctor.


Features


Specific procedures screen for specific diseases or conditions and include urinalysis, blood cultures, vaginal cultures, CT scans, MRI imaging, stool samples, eye dilation and mammograms. Lab technicians perform the necessary chemistry and the results are analyzed by a doctor or specialist. Test results may be immediately available or take days or weeks. A well-rounded fitness program features a healthy diet that promotes healthy weight and body function and an exercise program that include both cardio and strength exercises.


Benefits


Health screening procedures and fitness share the main benefits of illness prevention and improved overall health. Screening tests also catch many serious diseases in their beginning stages, which allows for easier treatment and a higher cure rate. Fitness improves strength, flexibility and endurance. It also increases energy and improves mood. Proper nutrition also reduces cravings, promotes a healthy appetite and promotes weight loss or weight maintenance.


Considerations


General health, family history, environmental predisposition, gender, age and finances should be considered. Family history, age, gender and environmental predisposition are the most significant considerations as they indicate a predisposition to certain ailments or conditions and what tests or fitness programs are needed. Health insurance covers most health screening procedures but certain tests may need to be paid for by the patient. Most fitness regimens cost nothing but some may require a gym membership, personal trainer or nutritionist.


Resources


A doctor or health care professional is the best resource for determining which types of health screening procedures are necessary, to describe each procedure in detail and determine a proper fitness program. Fitness professionals may also be beneficial supplementary resources for a fitness program. The U.S. Health Department and Center for Disease Control also provides information on health screening procedures, the health care system and healthy living.







Tags: fitness program, screening procedures, Health screening procedures, health screening procedures, screening procedures, blood pressure