Why get a Body Mass Index (BMI) screening?
There are many ways to assess your weight and body composition to determine if you’re carrying too much body fat. Body mass index or BMI, compares your height to your weight and is often used by healthcare professionals as a convenient way of assessing whether your weight is healthy.
BMI is as strongly correlated with various metabolic and disease outcome as more direct measures of body fatness. The results are easy to understand; it’s simply a matter of looking up your score on a standardized chart. Some methods, such as skin fold caliper testing, are quite invasive while an MRI, which is very accurate, may not be readily available. BMI testing does not require you to remove any clothing, other than your shoes when you weigh yourself, which makes it ideal for users who might otherwise be put off by a more invasive procedure.
BMI provides a quick snapshot of your weight in relation to your height. A high BMI can put you at increased risk for death, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea and breathing problems, depression, some cancers (endometrial, breast, colon, kidney, gallbladder, and liver) and more. If you are concerned about your weight, talk to your doctors, or click here to get more information.
Why get a glucose screening?
Glucose is a type of sugar found in the blood that comes from the food you eat, and is your body’s main source of energy. Blood Glucose test helps identify diabetes —a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke — as well as monitor blood sugar levels for those already diagnosed with the disease.
Your results can help your doctor find out if your insulin hormone is being distributed properly or if you have signs of being pre-diabetic. Getting a glucose screening can also identify hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
It is important to know where your glucose levels stand. Most people with type 2 diabetes live with it for years without realizing that they have it, until it causes complications, such as heart disease, stroke, eye damage, nerve damage, and kidney disease. People aged 45 and over should get screened every three years, as well as anyone who has risk factors for diabetes, or has high blood pressure and/or high cholesterol levels. If your glucose levels are high our physicians can help formulate a dietary and medication plan specifically for your needs. Click here for more information and to see if you are at risk for diabetes.
Why get a cholesterol screening?
A cholesterol screening measures your level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides. High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, and has no symptoms. A blood test is the only way to detect high cholesterol.
A simple finger-stick screening, this procedure measures three different kinds of lipids in your blood (HDL, LDL and triglycerides) as well as total cholesterol. Your lipid levels are important in determining your heart health. Too much cholesterol puts you at risk for heart disease and stroke, two leading causes of death in the United States.
Adults at average risk of developing heart disease should have their cholesterol checked every five years, beginning at age 18.
More frequent testing may be needed if your initial test results were abnormal or if you’re at higher risk of heart disease because you:
About one in every six adult Americans has high cholesterol. Anyone, including children, can develop it. Several factors that are beyond your control can increase your risk. These include your age, sex, and heredity. But you can take steps to manage your cholesterol levels and lower your risk, and our physicians are available to help you make the right decisions for you. Click here to read more about the importance of managing your cholesterol levels.
Blood Pressure Screenings
Why get a blood pressure screening?
Blood pressure screenings measure how much force a person’s blood is putting on the artery walls as the heart pumps. High blood pressure, or hypertension, occurs when that person’s heart has to work extra hard to pump blood throughout the body. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms so it can’t be detected without being measured, and greatly increases your risk of heart disease and stroke.
By getting a blood pressure screening you are taking necessary steps to avoid serious illnesses, such as stroke, heart failure, heart attack and kidney failure. You can control high blood pressure through healthy lifestyle habits and medication, if needed.
Based on the results, our physicians will provide counsel on your risk factors and recommend lifestyle changes to help you lead a healthier life. Further testing and evaluation may be required. Elevated blood pressure can be monitored and managed.
Why get a medical exam?
An exam can evaluate your state of health using inspection, palpation (feeling with the hands), percussion (tapping with the fingers), auscultation (listening), and smell. An exam may also include gathering information about your medical history and lifestyle, and assessing other risk factors for disease.
An annual physical examination can confirm that you’re healthy, or catch health problems before they become serious. The examination also provides an opportunity to talk about any problems or symptoms you are experiencing and get professional advice.
Proper preparation for your physical examination can help you get the most out of your medical exam. You may want to dress in comfortable clothing and avoid any excess jewelry, makeup, or other things. Try to bring a list of current medications you take, recent or relevant tests results, your medical and surgical history, a list of any symptoms or pain you are experiencing and any questions you would like answered.
Why is health education important?
Spring Branch Community Health Center’s Community Health Department engages the community through outreach programs that deliver health information and services to promote healthy behaviors and encourage prevention and early detection of diseases.
Health education is delivered by clinical and outreach staff to educate patients about health issues, including social and environmental factors that can affect health. Outreach and education can contribute to early detection of the risk factors for certain health problems, which can lower disease rates, reduce health care costs, and enhance quality of life.
When patients are equipped with good information, it not only provides actionable results, but directly impacts families and contributes a healthier community.
Schedule an appointment at one of our clinics
Call us at 713-462-6565 today to make your appointment at one of our clinics.