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872547 06/14 PREVENTIVE CARE Know your current health status The truth is, many of the chronic health problems in America are preventable and are brought on by unhealthy lifestyle choices. That’s why preventive care is so crucial to your health. Because by being proactive about your health and getting necessary preventive screenings on time, you gain the insight you need to make informed, healthier lifestyle choices and, ultimately, become a healthier you. The first step toward managing your risk factors is being aware of your current status. And that’s essentially the purpose of these common preventive screenings1: Common risk factor screenings Blood pressure Measures how hard the blood pushes against the walls of your arteries as it moves through your body. Normal blood pressure: <120/80 systolic/diastolic Cholesterol Measures ratios of the healthy (HDL) and unhealthy (LDL) fat-like substance in your bloodstream. Recommended total cholesterol: < 200 mg/dL Blood glucose Measures the level of a sugar energy source our body creates when it breaks down carbohydrates. Recommended fasting level: 70–100 mg/dL Excessive weight Assesses whether or not excess weight is a health risk. Normal body mass index (BMI): 18.5–24.9 Colon health Looks for abnormal cells in your colon or rectum that are growing together, forming polyps, which over time become cancer. Recommended ages for colon cancer screening: 50–75 Breast health Looks for malignant cancer tumors that start in the breast cells. Recommended ages to begin mammogram testing: 40–50 Cervical health Checks for abnormal or cancerous cells of the cervix. Recommended ages for cervical cancer screening: Ages 21–29, every 3 years. Ages 30–65, every 5 years. Prostate health Checks for signs of prostate cancer. Age is the greatest factor. Confirm risks with your doctor before screening. Testicular health Detects the causes of pain, inflammation, swelling, congenital abnormalities, and lumps or masses that may indicate testicular cancer. Learn and perform self-exam. Consult your doctor to determine causes of pain, inflammation and swelling. Depending on health history and annual exam results, additional preventive health screenings may be necessary for certain individuals. These may include: Bone density, skin cancer, eye health, dental health and more. 1. These recommendations are based on the general population. Talk with your doctor about your specific preventive screening needs. ---PAGE BREAK--- Common risk factors Risk factors are conditions or behaviors that increase your chances of developing a disease. When you have more than one risk factor, your risk of developing a serious and/or chronic illness like heart disease or diabetes greatly multiplies. While most risk factors can be controlled, there are a few that can’t. Knowing this can help to ensure your efforts are well spent. Risk factors you can control Have questions or concerns about your health and risks? Talk with your primary care physician, who can make the appropriate recommendations based on your health history. Physical inactivity Overweight Tobacco use Abnormal cholesterol Poor diet Glucose levels High blood pressure Stress Risk factors BEYOND YOUR control Age Family history Genetics The information provided here is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice and is not intended to be a substitute for proper medical care provided by a physician. Cigna assumes no responsibility for any circumstances arising out of the use, misuse, interpretation or application of this information. Always consult with your doctor for appropriate examinations, treatment, testing and care recommendations. “Cigna,” the “Tree of Life” logo, “GO YOU” and “Cigna Onsite Health” are registered service marks of Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc., licensed for use by Cigna Corporation and its operating subsidiaries. All products and services are provided by or through such operating subsidiaries, including Cigna Onsite Health, LLC, and not by Cigna Corporation. All models are used for illustrative purposes only. 872547 a 06/14 © 2014 Cigna. Some content provided under license. >200 total HDL and LDL >140/90 systolic/diastolic Balance and portion control >100 mg/dL fasting BMI >25 Get 30 minutes most days Are you in control? Kick the habit for better health