MEDICAL CARE ASSOCIATES, INC
MEDICAL CARE ASSOCIATES, INC
624 W VETERANS PARKWAY(RT.34)
SUITE B
YORKVILLE, IL 60560
ph: 630.553.9999
fax: 630.553.9998
healthca
DISCLAIMER:
The information on this page is intended to provide general guidelines only.It should not be used as a substitute for healthcare visits. Any healthcare decisions should be made on an individual basis after a discussion with your healthcare provider.
Q. DO WOMEN NEED PAP SMEARS ALL THEIR LIFE? WHAT ARE THE CURRENT RECOMMENDATIONS??
The pap smear is a common test done for the early detection of precancerous or cancerous changes in the cervical cells.
- Starting age:
Age 21 or 3 years after the onset of sexual activity, whichever comes first.
- How often should you have the test:
This is based on age and previous Pap smears and also on the methodology used in the Pap test (conventional slide vs liquid)
1. Women < 30 yrs. – Pap smear should be done every year. (some societies recommend every other year if liquid method of Pap is used).
2. Women > 30 yrs. – Pap smear should be done every 2-3 yrs if previous 3 consecutive pap smears are normal, otherwise annual screening needs to be maintained.
3. HPV testing – Done in women > 30yrs, can be repeated every 3 yrs.
4. More frequent testing is indicated if you are immunosuppressed,have a history of cervical cancer or have a history of exposure to diethystilbesterol (DES) .
- Stopping screening:
Screening may be stopped between the age of 65-70 if you have had regular Pap smears and they have been normal. However ,the decision to stop pap smears is made on an individual basis after discussion with your health care provider.
- What about women who do not have a uterus?
1. If the uterus and cervix were both removed because of a non cancerous reason, then there is no recommendation to continue Pap smears.
2. If only the uterus was removed and the cervix was left behind, Pap smears should be done as recommended above. If you do not know if your cervix was left behind,please see your health care provider for a complete pelvic exam.
3. If the uterus was removed because of cancer or precancerous changes, routine Pap smears should be done . The frequency of Pap smears in this case should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
4. If a woman is exposed to diethystilbesterol (DES) during her mother’s pregnancy,she should have routine Pap smears even if her uterus was removed because of non cancerous reasons as there is a risk of cancer of the vaginal cells in these cases. (DES is a non steroidal estrogen that was widely used between 1938 and 1971 for treating a wide range of pregnancy disorders.)
- Is there any preparation required prior to the pap test?
Yes.
- Avoid scheduling the test during your menstrual period.
- Avoid sexual intercourse, douching, tampons or vaginal medications/creams for 48 hrs. prior to your test.
- Q. DO I NEED THE ZOSTER VACCINE?
- Zoster vaccine is recommended for individuals over the age of 60 even if you have had shingles in the past.
- It is currenly not recommended for those less than 60 yrs. of age however those with reported history of zoster maybe vaccinated at the discretion of your healthcare provider.
- There are no blood tests required prior to vaccination.
- Q. WHO SHOULD BE SCREENED FOR ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSYM? (AAA)
Men between the age of 65 -75 if they are current or former smokers.
Men between the age of 65 - 75,who have never smoked but have a first degree relative who required surgery for AAA or who died of AAA rupture.
Screening test is a one time ultrasound.
- Q. WHO SHOULD BE SCREENED FOR DIABETES?
Current American Diabetes Association recommendations are as follows:
- Age more than 45 yrs.
- All adults with body mass index(BMI) more than 25 kg/sq.m and one of the foll:
- Family history diabetes mellitus in a first-degree relative
- Habitual physical inactivity
- Belonging to a high-risk ethnic or racial group (eg, African-American, Hispanic, Native American, Asian-American, and Pacific Islanders)
- History of delivering a baby weighing >4.1 kg (9 lb) or of gestational diabetes mellitus
- Hypertension (blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg)
- Dyslipidemia - low good cholesterol and high triglyceride levels.
- History of 'prediabetes'.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- History of vascular disease
- Q. IS VITAMIN E BENEFICIAL?
- Not beneficial in the prevention of cancer
- Not recommended for the prevention of heart disease.
- Doses more than 400IU can actually be harmful.
- Q. WHAT IS NORMAL BLOOD PRESSURE?
Blood pressure Systolic Diastolic
Normal 120 or less and 80 or less
Pre hypertension 120 - 139 or 80 - 89
Stage 1 140 - 159 or 90 - 99
Stage 2 160 or more or 100 or more
- Pre hypertension does not require medications except if you have diabetes or chronic kidney disease. Lifestyle modification is however required.
- Stage 1 and stage 2 should be treated with appropriate medications.
- Goal for diabetic patients and those with chronic kidney disease is 130/80.
630.553.9999
MEDICAL CARE ASSOCIATES, INC
624 W VETERANS PARKWAY(RT.34)
SUITE B
YORKVILLE, IL 60560
ph: 630.553.9999
fax: 630.553.9998
healthca
