8.12.22 – Preventative Health Care

Friday, August 12, 2022

Preventative Health Care

Preventive health care is an essential way to make the most of our health. Early detection improves our health, gives peace of mind, and is estimated to save over 100,000 lives each year in the US.

Best practices in health begins with learning all you can about tests, counseling services, and preventive medicines to help keep you healthy and prevent disease. The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) uses scientific data, and evidence-based research to give recommendations for preventive health screening.

With screenings, physicians can offer treatment, medicines, and other health services to avert illness, such as bone density and Vitamin D deficiency screening, cervical cancer and breast cancer screening tests, colonoscopies, glaucoma checks, prostate screening, checks for blood pressure, blood conditions, and hypertension.

From the age of 18, it is recommended all adults get regular blood pressure checks to screen for Hypertension. Beginning at age 25, cervical cancer screening is recommended. Screening for colorectal cancer and breast cancer starts at age 40. All recommendations are based on age, sex, and gender assigned at birth and most are covered 100% by health insurance.

As Flight Attendants, good self-care is such a necessary part of our job as safety workers. To be there for others we must, first, take care of ourselves, and we know how good health contributes to our overall happiness and well-being.

Give yourself the healthiest life you can with preventive health by staying up to date on immunizations, attend regular wellness visits, and check with your health care physician to make sure you are getting all the preventive screenings that are recommended for you.

In Solidarity,

Cathy Sharp
APFA National Health Chair
[email protected]