T.J. Samson | Destination Health | December 2017

Check it out Some must -do screenings and sel f -exams There’s no denying how popular DIY projects are today. We love to roll up our sleeves and get it done. But what about health screenings that can alert us to possible health prob- lems? Can we tackle some of those ourselves too? You’ll need a doctor for most screening tests and exams, of course. But you can do some checks yourself, often with a doctor’s input or recommendation. Examples of both are below. Keep in mind, these are generalized guidelines. Ask your doctor what’s right for you. Here’s a cold, hard fact about winter: It’s not very kind to skin. The harsh, dry air can make skin more likely to flake, crack and itch. And if those problems weren’t enough, fine lines and wrinkles tend to stand out when skin is dry. WINTERTIME TLC So if your parched skin has you itching for spring, take steps toward relief. You might want to check with a doctor to determine if your dry skin has a medi- cal cause that’s treatable with prescription medicines. Also consider these nine DIY skin-soothing strategies: 1 Take shorter showers in warm (not hot) water. Hot water removes the skin’s natural oils. Lingering longer than about 5 to 10 minutes may further dry out skin. Winterize your skin 2 Moisturize on time. Moisturizing oint- ments and creams (two top choices: prod- ucts with olive or jojoba oil) relieve dry skin by locking in dampness. Apply them right after washing your hands or bathing—it’s okay to gently pat the skin a little dry first. 3 Practice gentle skin care. Some cleansers—such as deodorant bars and per- fumed and antibacterial soaps—may contain alcohol or other ingredients that can strip oils from the skin. A move to a mild, fragrance-free soap may help. 4 Shave right after bathing, when hair is softer. Use a shaving cream or gel, and replace razors often. 5 Slip on some gloves. Wearing gloves outdoors in the winter helps prevent dry, rough hands. 6 Resist the scratch. Apply a cool damp cloth to soothe itchy areas. 7 Don’t sit in front of the fireplace or heater. The heat can draw out moisture. 8 Drink plenty of water. This healthy habit helps keep you hydrated from the inside out. 9 Humidify your home. It helps add moisture to dry, indoor air. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology; National Library of Medicine At home At a provider’s office Step on a scale. Type the result (plus your height) into a body mass index (BMI) calcula- tor, like this one, to see if you’re overweight or obese: morehealth.org/bmi . Mammograms. From ages 45 to 54, women should have yearly breast cancer screenings, switching to every two years after that. Measure your waist. Place a tape just above your hipbones, exhale and measure. A waist greater than 40 inches for men or 35 for women boosts type 2 diabetes and heart disease risks. Colonoscopy. Starting at age 50, colonoscopies or other screening tests are recommended for both men and women to help prevent colorectal cancer or find it early. Check your feet if you have diabetes. Your doctor may have you look for and report any sores or other problems before they become major infections. Pap tests. Starting at 21, regular Pap smears help guard against cervical cancer in women. Check your skin for cancer. Frequent (such as monthly) self-skin checks may help you find cancer early. Changing moles, blemishes or other worrisome-looking areas on your skin should be shown to your doctor. Blood pressure checks. Have your doctor check your blood pressure at least every two years—and more often if you have certain conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes. Monitor your blood pressure. Your doc- tor may have you use a portable monitor at home if, for instance, you have borderline high blood pressure or your readings might be high only at the doctor’s office. Cholesterol blood tests. Start- ing at age 20, have your cholesterol checked every four to six years. Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; American Cancer Society; American Heart Association; U.S. National Library of Medicine 6 DESTINATION HEALTH