Dr. Joseph Papotto, in his radio health chat, discusses the importance of health screenings and how the media has portrayed them in a negative light. He notes that some have criticized the medical community for trying to get people into the system for health screenings and that this has led to some people avoiding going to the doctor. He argues that the premise of these criticisms is based on a slanted interpretation of questionable data and that the healthcare system is made up of healthcare providers, big pharma, hospitals, and insurance companies who all want more treatment for financial gain.

Dr. Papotto then gives an overview of what a rational health screening protocol should look like through the adult years. He starts with adolescents and notes that the most common medical screening for this age group is the sports PE, which can reveal early BP problems, provide a gauge on growth and development, and open up a dialogue to discuss sexual and behavioral issues. For college-aged students, he recommends catching up on immunizations and discussing present problems or family medical history.

For young adults in their 20s and 30s, Dr. Papotto recommends at least one full PE with labs in the 20s and two or three in the 30s. He advises that this is a time when the USPSTF recommends beginning screening for BP and cholesterol, especially for those with a strong family history of hypertension and at-risk ethnic groups like African Americans. He also advises that women should begin Pap smears to screen for cervical cancer at 21 years old and men should be instructed on self-testicular exams.

For those in their 40s and above, Dr. Papotto advises that this is a strategic year for health screenings, where a reasonable approach can pick up early disorders before they cause irrevocable harm to the body. He advises that both men and women should get a full PE every year or two depending on their health status, and that a full blood panel, DRE, and mammography screening should be included. He also notes that he still recommends the old way of mammography screening at 40, despite a push to decrease its use and start at 50, which he believes is based more on cost savings than saving women’s lives.