When it comes to your health, what is your peace of mind worth? It’s time to become your best advocate.

You can wait for an authorization from your primary insurance OR take matters into your own hands. It may be worth your peace of mind to pay out of pocket for a specialist, additional tests or a second opinion if it’s a possible torn ACL, Mammogram or MRI that’s not covered, or cancer screening  not approved, etc.

There is no doubt that we are living longer these days.  In fact, the recent data from the CDC suggests that beyond the age of 65 the average person will live another 19.3 years. With this is mind, it is critical to shift our thinking as we age in order to be healthier and navigate our extended longevity.

According to an article put out by Everyday Health online (August 2016), part of a perspective shift needs to encompass management of 15 chronic conditions that can impact our longevity in later years.

For the sake of professional scope within the field of medical imaging, we will focus briefly on the importance of two from the above referenced online article: osteoporosis and cancer.

Osteoporosis occurs when there is an imbalance between new bone formation and old bone resorption. The body may fail to form enough new bone, or too much old bone may be reabsorbed, or both. The two essential minerals for normal bone formation are calcium and phosphate. The diagnosis of this condition is through measuring the bone mineral density, which is typically performed by doing a DEXA or bone densitometry test. Taking steps now to protect against broken bones from a possible fall begins with the right knowledge.

Ranking third as a concern for our senior population is cancer. It is a fair statement to say that most of us have been touched in some way by this disease process. Our seniors are particularly vulnerable as they age and try to maintain an active lifestyle. The National Cancer Institute ranks the top five cancers by estimated new cases (January 2017) as follows:

• Breast Cancer
• Lung Cancer
• Prostate Cancer
• Colon and Rectal Cancer (combined)
• Melanoma

Why does all this matter when it comes to having a fresh perspective on your health? The simple answer is this, part of a fresh perspective on your health is for you to become your best advocate.   Many disease processes can be treated and healing can begin if conditions are caught sooner. Our bodies often times will give indications that something is not working properly. Listen to it!

You say who, you say when. Be your own advocate; schedule your MRI, your mammogram, your ultrasound, or Your CT scan now. Even if you pay out of pocket, get the order for the test you need. You have a choice and your health is worth it!

Article Provided by:
Diagnostic Imaging  of Salem
503-877-1223
www.SalemImaging.com/dxa.php

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