Medical Tests And Exams No One Should Miss

Regular Immunizations

In the case of children, there are quite a few regular immunizations they should have. Soon after they are born, typically within the first twenty-four hours, they should receive a hepatitis B vaccine. Their second dose of this vaccine should be after a month or two has passed. At two months, they should also be given their RV, PCV, HiB, IPV, and DTaP vaccinations, which should be given again when they're four months and six months old. When babies are at least six months old, they can begin to receive their annual flu shot, which will help prevent them from catching the flu. Reports indicate even if someone develops the flu after receiving the shot, since it is not always entirely effective, it will greatly reduce the severity of the patient's illness and will help speed up their recovery. Adults should receive the vaccinations listed above if they haven't already. Doctors can help keep track of this and advise on potential booster shots, and any necessary additional vaccines (including ones needed for traveling to certain countries). Older adults should also look at the shingles vaccine.

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Colon Cancer Screening

Interestingly enough, there has been an increase in colon cancer in younger adults. Colon cancer is typically associated with older adults, yet more and more young adults are discovering polyps and cancer within their colon. Individuals should have regular colon cancer screening appointments to ensure their large intestine and colon are healthy. The screening essentially looks for polyps and other problems within the large intestine.

There are a few different kinds of tests for colon cancer. The first is through a stool examination. For this, patients will basically send a sample of their stools in for examination. Doctors will check the stool for signs of bleeding or other problems that may arise from colon cancer. The other type of test is sigmoidoscopy. This is different from a colonoscopy in that it only views the lower third part of an individual's colon. It does, however, involve a scope being inserted through the colon. The colonoscopy is another screening test in which a scope examines the entire colon for any problems and is the most thorough.

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