Assume your local congressman calls you for some economic ad

Assume your local congressman calls you for some economic advice. He wants to sponsor legislation to increase public spending on such common medical interventions as because he’s been told early detection saves money:

Getting all children the right immunizations at the right time, before they turn 24 months,

Screening for hypertension

Screening for cervical cancer

Smoking cessation classes

How would you advise him?

Solution

Screening for hypertension: High blood pressure often doesn’t have any symptoms, so the only way to find out if you have it is to get your blood pressure checked. Having this done is easy and could save your life. Healthy adults above 40 should have their blood pressure checked at least once every five years. Blood pressure can be measured using a manual or an automatic device. Portable machines that measure blood pressure at home or on the move can be a useful way of getting a more convenient and accurate reading.

Screening for cervical cancer: Women should be screened with cervical cytology every 3 years beginning at age 21. Women above 30 can be screened with cytology and HPV testing every 5 years. Women without a cervix should not be screened, and women under 21 should not be screened at all.

Most smokers who return to smoking do so within the first three months. Slips are common. The first seven to ten days are the toughest and you may need the most help during these early days. Smokers have urges after their quit but will occur less overtime and they will eventually quit smoking. Many people run into bumps on their journey to quitting such as gaining weight, urges to smoke, or withdrawal symptoms.

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