| 1 | DRIVER’S SEAT
For times when image is everything, columnist Russ Heaps gives you the
Jaguar XKR and the BMW 335i. read more... |
 | |
| 2 | STYLE
An urban style guide for Hispanic hipsters everywhere. read more... |
| |
| 3 | CASA
Echo boutique brings you the best of handicrafts from Colombia. read more... |
| |
| 4 | SPICE
At Southern California’s Chuao, more an artisan shop than a chocolate
store–it’s all about pushing flavors to their outermost limits. read more... |
| |
| 5 | ESCAPE
Let paradise in Nicaragua, the land of lakes, volcanoes and archeological
treasures nurture the explorer in you. read more... |
| |
| 6 | SALUD
Because we really do care, we offer our comprehensive Family Health Guide. read more... |
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LA
BUENA VIDA
salud
Sure Shots
Get a checkup, get vaccinated and get back to being
healthy.
By Sara Fernández Cendón
Many of the things that bind Hispanics together—food,
traditions, ideals—are also the things that determine our
health and well-being.
Take, for instance, diabetes. Approximately 20 percent of Hispanics
between the ages of 45 and 74 have diabetes; Mexican Americans and
Puerto Ricans are almost twice as likely to have the disease as
non-Hispanic whites.
More than half of all Hispanic adults are overweight, and about
25 percent are obese. It’s no surprise considering that more
than half of all Hispanics report low levels of physical activity
outside of work.
Considering our high incidence of diabetes and our tendency to be
overweight, our low death rates for heart disease may come as a
surprise. But Jane Delgado, president and CEO of the National Alliance
for Hispanic Health, sees this as one of our shared blessings: “We
live long lives,” she says.
Unfortunately, we also share a tendency to live with small health
problems, or to put off doctor visits, which is why Delgado says
that we should make our long lives healthy ones. This means getting
well when we’re sick, and staying well when we’re healthy.
“Prevention helps your family,” she says. “It’s
not just about you. It’s about everyone else around you.”
Although it might seem burdensome to think of your health as a shared
responsibility, it should help to know that you’re not alone.
The following is a list of suggested checkups and vaccines to help
keep you healthy and well aware of your health status. This is not
intended to replace professional healthcare; please consult with
your doctor before undertaking any medical advice.
Sources: Office of Dietary Supplements; National Institutes of Health;
The 5-Minute Herb and Dietary Supplement Consult by Adriane Fugh-Berman;
Dietary Guidelines for Americans Diet; The Food Guide Pyramid
KID’s CHECK-UPS
| Age group |
Exam |
Vaccinations |
| Newborns |
Hearing test
Birth defects, metabolic and infectious diseases screenings |
Before hospital discharge:
Hepatitis B vaccine
*Pregnant women should be tested for hepatitis B. If mother
is positive, baby must be vaccinated within 12 hours of birth.
|
| |
|
|
| 0-24 months |
Height, weight, hearing and vision checks |
1-2 months:
Hepatitis B
2 months (no earlier than six weeks):
Rotavirus vaccine (no later than 12 weeks); diphtheria and
tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis vaccine;
haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccine; pneumococcal
conjugate vaccine; inactivated Poliovirus vaccine
4 months:
Hepatitis B vaccine (might not be needed); rotavirus vaccine;
diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis vaccine;
haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccine; pneumococcal
conjugate vaccine; inactivated poliovirus vaccine
6 months:
Rotavirus vaccine (no later than 32 weeks); diphtheria and
tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis vaccine;
haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccine (might not
be needed); pneumococcal conjugate vaccine
6-18 months:
Hepatitis B vaccine; inactivated poliovirus vaccine
6-24 months:
Yearly influenza vaccine. Children under 9 receiving the flu
shot for the first time will need two doses separated by four
to six weeks.
12-15 months:
Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccine; pneumococcal
conjugate vaccine; measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine; varicella
vaccine
12-23 months:
Hepatitis A vaccine (two doses should be given between 12
to 23 months and should be at least six months apart).
15-18 months:
Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis vaccine
|
| |
|
|
| 2-6 years |
Yearly height, weight, vision and hearing checks.
Blood pressure checks after age 3 |
2-5 years:
Yearly influenza vaccine. Children under 9 receiving the flu
shot for the first time will need two doses separated by four
to six weeks.
4-6 years:
Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis vaccine;
inactivated polio virus vaccine; measles, mumps and rubella
vaccine; varicella |
| |
|
|
7-9 years
|
One routine health exam including:
Blood pressure, height, weight, vision and hearing
|
Catch-up immunizations as needed |
| |
|
|
| 12 years |
One routine health exam including:
Blood pressure, height, weight, vision and hearing
|
11-12 years:
Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis vaccine
booster;
Human papillomavirus vaccine (three doses only for girls: the
second one should be given two months after the first dose;
the third one six months after the first dose); Meningococcal
vaccine |
| |
|
|
13-18 years
|
One to two routine health exam including: Blood
pressure, height, weight, vision and hearing
Yearly Pap tests for girls as soon as they become sexually
active |
15 years:
Meningococcal vaccine (if previously unvaccinated)
College freshmen living in dormitories:
Meningococcal vaccine (if previously unvaccinated) |
| |
*Certain high-risk groups should consult a doctor
for possible additional shots.
*Consult a doctor for a catch-up immunization schedule if a
dose is missed. |
Men’s CHECK-UPS
Routine Health Exam:
Promotes early detection of common yet treatable diseases. Includes
a physical exam and screenings, if needed |
| |
| Age group |
Exam |
| |
|
| 18–40 |
Every 5 years |
| |
|
| 40-50 |
Every 1-3 years |
| |
|
| 50-60 |
Every year |
| |
|
| 60-65 |
Every year |
| |
|
| 65-on |
Every year |
Dental Checkup:
Promotes overall oral health and screens for oral cancer. Includes
an examination of the oral cavity |
| |
| Age group |
Exam |
| |
|
| 18–40 |
Every 1-2 years |
| |
|
| 40-50 |
Every 1-2 years |
| |
|
| 50-60 |
Every 1-2 years |
| |
|
| 60-65 |
Every 1-2 years |
| |
|
| 65-on |
Every 1-2 years |
Cholesterol Checks:
A blood sample is collected for a test that monitors cholesterol
levels |
| |
| Age group |
Exam |
| |
|
| 18–40 |
Every five years before age 35 if you have other risk factors
for heart disease, such as tobacco use, diabetes, high blood
pressure or family history of heart disease.
After age 35, all men should have cholesterol checks every five
years. |
| |
|
| 40-50 |
Every 5 years |
| |
|
| 50-60 |
Every 5 years |
| |
|
| 60-65 |
Every year |
| |
|
| 65-on |
Every year |
Colorectal Cancer Screenings:
Several tests are included in this screening. Ask which are
needed and when |
| |
| Age group |
Exam |
| |
|
| 18–40 |
|
| |
|
| 40-50 |
|
| |
|
| 50-60 |
Fecal Occult Blood Test: Every year; Flexible Sigmoidoscopy:
Every 5 years; Colonospcopy: Every 10 year; Double Contrast
Barium Enema: Every 5-10 years |
| |
|
| 60-65 |
Same as above |
| |
|
| 65-on |
Same as above |
Prostate-specific Antigen Blood Test:
A blood sample is taken for a test that detects protstate cancer |
| |
| Age group |
Exam |
| |
|
| 18–40 |
|
| |
|
| 40-50 |
|
| |
|
| 50-60 |
Every year |
| |
|
| 60-65 |
Every year |
| |
|
| 65-on |
Every year |
Digital Rectal Exam:
An examination of the prostate to verify it appears healthy
to the touch to detect prostate cancer |
| |
| Age group |
Exam |
| |
|
| 18–40 |
|
| |
|
| 40-50 |
|
| |
|
| 50-60 |
Every year |
| |
|
| 60-65 |
Every year |
| |
|
| 65-on |
Every year |
Eye Exam:
Detects detect glaucoma and other vision problems |
| |
| Age group |
Exam |
| |
|
| 18–40 |
|
| |
|
| 40-50 |
|
| |
|
| 50-60 |
|
| |
|
| 60-65 |
|
| |
|
| 65-on |
Regularly |
| Vaccinations |
19–on
Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis:
One booster every 10 years Adults born
after 1956
Measles, mumps, rubella:
One dose (if not previously immunized)
One additional dose if the person is a health care worker,
was recently exposed to measles, is traveling internationally,
etc.
19–49
Varicella:
Two doses (if not previously immunized)
50–on
Influenza vaccine:
Yearly dose
65–on
Pneumococcal:
One dose |
women’s CHECK-UPS
Routine Health Exam:
Promotes early detection of common yet treatable diseases. Includes
a physical exam and screenings, if needed |
| |
| Age group |
Exam |
| |
|
| 18–40 |
Every 5 years |
| |
|
| 40-50 |
Every 1-3 years |
| |
|
| 50-60 |
Every year |
| |
|
| 60-65 |
Every year |
| |
|
| 65-on |
Every year |
Dental Checkup:
Promotes overall oral health and screens for oral cancer. Includes
an examination of the oral cavity |
| |
| Age group |
Exam |
| |
|
| 18–40 |
Every 1-2 years |
| |
|
| 40-50 |
Every 1-2 years |
| |
|
| 50-60 |
Every 1-2 years |
| |
|
| 60-65 |
Every 1-2 years |
| |
|
| 65-on |
Every 1-2 years |
Pap Test and Pelvic Exam:
Promotes gynological health, and helps prevent and detect cervical
cander, HPV, infections and more |
| |
| Age group |
Exam |
| |
|
| 18–40 |
Every year*
(*Frequency may decrease to every 3 years if results are consistently
normal.) |
| |
|
| 40-50 |
Every year* |
| |
|
| 50-60 |
Every year* |
| |
|
| 60-65 |
Every year* |
| |
|
| 65-on |
Every year* |
Self Breast Exams:
Self check for lumps or changes, best conducted after menstrual
period, helps detect breast cancer or irregularities. |
| |
| Age group |
Exam |
| |
|
| 18–40 |
Every month, after menstrual period |
| |
|
| 40-50 |
Every month |
| |
|
| 50-60 |
Every month |
| |
|
| 60-65 |
Every month |
| |
|
| 65-on |
Every month |
Clinical Breast Exams:
A healthcare professional examines the breasts to screen for
breast cancer |
| |
| Age group |
Exam |
| |
|
| 18–40 |
Every 3 years |
| |
|
| 40-50 |
Every year |
| |
|
| 50-60 |
Every year |
| |
|
| 60-65 |
Every year |
| |
|
| 65-on |
Every year |
Cholesterol Checks:
A blood sample is collected for a test that monitors cholesterol
levels |
| |
| Age group |
Exam |
| |
|
| 18–40 |
Every 5 years (if you are at risk for or have a familiy history
of heart disease) |
| |
|
| 40-50 |
Every 5 years starting at age 45 |
| |
|
| 50-60 |
Every 5 years |
| |
|
| 60-65 |
Every 5 years |
| |
|
| 65-on |
Every 5 years |
Mamograms:
Breast X-ray helps detect tumors early. It might not find all
breast cancers and could yield false positive results |
| |
| Age group |
Exam |
| |
|
| 18–40 |
|
| |
|
| 40-50 |
Every year |
| |
|
| 50-60 |
Every year |
| |
|
| 60-65 |
Every year |
| |
|
| 65-on |
Every year |
Colorectal Cancer Screenings:
Several tests are included in this screening. Ask which are
needed and when |
| |
| Age group |
Exam |
| |
|
| 18–40 |
|
| |
|
| 40-50 |
|
| |
|
| 50-60 |
Fecal Occult Blood Test: Every year; Flexible Sigmoidoscopy:
Every 5 years; Colonospcopy: Every 10 year; Double Contrast
Barium Enema: Every 5-10 years |
| |
|
| 60-65 |
Same as above |
| |
|
| 65-on |
Same as above |
Bone Mineral Density Scan:
Detects osteoporosis |
| |
| Age group |
Exam |
| |
|
| 18–40 |
|
| |
|
| 40-50 |
|
| |
|
| 50-60 |
|
| |
|
| 60-65 |
At least once(if you are at increased risk for fractures;
e.g. if you weigh less than 155 pounds) |
| |
|
| 65-on |
At least once |
Eye Exam:
Detects detect glaucoma and other vision problems |
| |
| Age group |
Exam |
| |
|
| 18–40 |
|
| |
|
| 40-50 |
|
| |
|
| 50-60 |
|
| |
|
| 60-65 |
|
| |
|
| 65-on |
At least once |
| Vaccinations |
19-on
Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis:
One booster every 10 years Women under 26
Human papillomavirus:
Three doses (the second one to be administered two months
after the first; the third one six months after the first).
Not recommended during pregnancy
Adults born
after 1956
Measles, mumps, rubella:
One dose (if not previously immunized)
One additional dose if the person is a health care worker,
was recently exposed to measles, is traveling internationally,
etc.
19–49
Varicella:
Two doses (if not previously immunized)
50–on
Influenza vaccine:
Yearly dose
65–on
Pneumococcal:
One dose
|
PREGNANCY CHECK-UPS
| WEEK |
FREQUENCY OF VISITS |
EXAM |
PURPOSE |
| |
|
|
|
| Pre-pregnancy |
N/A |
Health care professional may recommend some or all of the
following tests:
Immunity to Rubella
HIV
Gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis
Blood Type and Antibody screen
Hepatitis B screening
Hemoglobin
Pap test (Pap smear) |
To ensure a healthy pregnancy |
| |
|
|
|
| 0-12 |
Monthly |
Pregnancy test
Urine screen for sugar and/or protein
Urine culture and sensitivity
|
To confirm pregnancy To detect gestational diabetes and
bladder or kidney infection
To check for urinary tract infections |
| |
|
|
|
| 13-27 |
Monthly |
Urine screen for sugar and/or protein
Glucose/Glucose tolerance test
|
To detect preeclampsia (pregnancy-induced hypertension) To
detect gestational diabetes |
| |
|
|
|
| 28-DELIVERY |
About twice a month (at least once every 2-3 weeks) |
Urine screen for sugar and/or protein
Antibody screen (indirect antiglobulin test)
Perform or repeat testing for sexually transmitted diseases
Hemoglobin and Platelet Count |
To detect preeclampsia (pregnancy-induced hypertension) To
monitor and prevent the production of antibodies in reaction
to the baby’s cells
To detect the presence of gonorrhea, Chlamydia, syphilis
or other sexually transmitted diseases
To assess the potential effects of blood loss during delivery |
| |
|
|
|
| 35-37 |
Starting at week 36, visits should be weekly |
Group B Streptococcus |
To prevent the baby from being infected at delivery |
| |
| *Other tests may be ordered in special situations.. |
Dietary supplements
The following common dietary supplements are used
to treat a variety of ailments, to improve overall health and to
boost energy. Some of them, such as calcium or iron, are essential
to the proper functioning of the body and can be obtained through
various food sources, as well as through supplements. Others, such
as echinacea or flaxseed, are entirely optional and are usually
consumed in the form of pills or powders. The efficacy of many of
these optional dietary supplements is still under consideration
by health experts, and current evidence is inconclusive at best,
according to the National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary
Supplements. If you’re considering taking dietary supplements,
be sure to consult a health professional to find out about their
potential interactions with medications and to determine whether
supplements are the right choice for you.
Calcium supports bone and teeth structure.
Echinacea is traditionally used to prevent and fight colds and other
infections.
Flaxseed is commonly used as a laxative, to reduce hot flashes and
breast pain; flaxseed oil is used to treat arthritis.
Folic Acid (also known as folate) helps reduce birth defects and
should be taken before conception and during the early stages of
pregnancy.
Garlic is used for high cholesterol, high blood pressure and heart
disease, and also to prevent certain types of cancer.
Ginkgo is used to treat a variety of conditions, including asthma
and bronchitis, and also to improve age-related memory problems.
Ginger is used to alleviate nausea.
Ginseng is used to boost the immune system and improve physical
performance.
Horse chestnut is used to treat varicose veins and leg pain, cramping
and swelling.
Iron is essential in oxygen transport as well as in cell growth;
it supports fetal growth and maternal health.
Milk thistle is believed to improve liver function and to reduce
mortality in certain cases of poisoning.
St. John’s wort is used to treat anxiety and depression.
Valerian is used as a sedative and to treat sleep disorders.
Zinc supports a healthy immune system and helps wounds heal. Its
efficacy in treating colds is often debated.
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