Is your health at risk? Here’s how to assess it

Routine checkups with your primary care doctor are essential. So are visits to your doctor to discuss any health changes that don’t seem to be getting better. But what else can you do to maintain good health?

Make healthy choices a habit. We all fall into unhealthy habits occasionally, but how can you tell if your current lifestyle is putting your health at risk? And what if there is an underlying health issue that isn’t being addressed?

Take a minute to go through the assessment below to find out if there are any areas that need attention.

1. On most days, I’d describe my energy level as:
   a. I wake up feeling rested and it lasts throughout the day.
   b. I sometimes get sleepy in the afternoon and need a nap.
   c. I feel tired all day, even after a full night’s sleep.
   
   If you answered c, you may want to consider a sleep study. All day sleepiness can result from sleep apnea, heart conditions, hormonal changes (such as hypothyroidism), depression, some cancers and more. Anemia, or iron deficiency, can also cause fatigue and can have serious consequences if left untreated.
    
2. My weight:
   a. Stays the same within 5-10 lbs.
   b. Has increased steadily as I’ve aged.
   c. I’ve recently lost or gained 20 lbs without changing my eating or exercise patterns.
   
   If you answered b, try to keep your weight within a healthy range, as obesity can lead to several health problems. If you answered c, talk to your provider. Rapid weight gain or loss is a warning sign that could indicate a more serious issue.
    
3. My vision:
   a. Has stayed pretty consistent in recent years.
   b. Is worsening with age and I need glasses to read.
   c. Has gotten blurry and/or I’m seeing floaters and incongruent lines.
   
   If you answered c, let your provider know. If blurred vision is gradually occurring, it may be a sign of eye strain, cataracts or some more serious diseases like diabetes or Parkinson’s. If deterioration happens rapidly, it could be a sign of a more serious condition.
    
4. My appetite:
   a. Is strong. I enjoy food and feel good after eating.
   b. Stays consistent, but on some days I’m hungrier than others.
   c. Has noticeably decreased and/or I often feel nauseous or bloated after eating.
   
   If you answered c, you should discuss these changes with your provider. Conditions as benign as gastric reflux could be the culprit, or perhaps a sensitivity to something you are eating. Alternatively, you could be dealing with something more serious going on in your digestive tract that should be checked out.
    
5. Walking up the stairs:
   a. Is a piece of cake!
   b. Is a little tough some days and I breathe a little heavier.
   c. Makes me very out of breath and/or causes my heart to race.
   
   If you answered c, you should let your provider know. Breathlessness and prolonged rapid heart rate can be a sign of poor heart or lung function and you should be evaluated.
    
6. My blood pressure:
   a. Is consistent and under 120/80.
   b. Was elevated at my doctor’s office but I’m healthy so I’m not concerned.
   c. I don’t know it, but I feel great so there’s no need to check it.
   
   If you answered b or c, it is important to have it checked and rechecked. High blood pressure typically has no symptoms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that nearly half of American adults have high blood pressure. Left undetected or uncontrolled, hypertension can lead to heart disease, heart attack, stroke, vision loss, kidney disease and other issues.
    
7. I drink water:
   a. Regularly throughout the day, adding up to 6-8 glasses.
   b. Very little, because I’m too busy for trips to the bathroom.
   c. All day long but still I feel like I am always very thirsty.
   
   If you answered c, extreme thirst and urination are a warning sign of diabetes, as well as extreme hunger, blurry vision and slow healing wounds. The CDC states about 1 in 10 Americans has diabetes. When left untreated, diabetes can potentially lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney or nerve damage. If you answered b, you may be causing gradual damage to your kidneys. Dehydration can also lead to persistent headaches, sluggish bowels, fatigue and weight gain.
    
8. I would describe my mood as:
   a. I feel consistently positive and calm on most days.
   b. I feel down or anxious on some days, but I am overall content.
   c. I’ve been feeling persistently down, depressed and/or anxious.
   
   If you answered c, it’s important to talk to your provider. We all feel stressed or down from time to time, but when these feelings interfere with everyday life, it’s important to get help. Chronic depression or anxiety can increase the risk of insomnia, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other health issues.
    
9. I’d describe my exercise routine as:
   a. I am a fitness buff!
   b. I get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week.
   c. I’m sedentary for most of the day and can be a coach potato.
   
   If you answered c, it’s time to get active. Regular exercise can lower your blood pressure and cholesterol, improve your blood flow and help reduce your risk of illness. Remaining sedentary sets you up for health problems as you age.
    
10. My diet:
    a. Is healthy and balanced, with lots of fruits and vegetables.
    b. Includes an occasional sweet treat, but I don’t overdo it.
    c. Is consistently high in sugar and includes processed and fried foods.
    
    If you answered c, you may want to consult with a dietitian to start eating healthier. Too much sugar can lead to weight gain, which can lead to high blood sugar. The CDC states about 1 in 10 Americans have diabetes, and nearly 40 percent have high cholesterol. When left untreated, these can put you at risk for heart disease, stroke and other issues.
     

Be proactive about your health. Regular checkups with your primary care provider are a chance to get your blood pressure checked and get routine urinalysis and bloodwork. Your doctor may also recommend screenings like mammograms, Pap tests, colonoscopies, eye exams and others. If you have certain risk factors or a family history of certain conditions, you may need more frequent or additional testing.