Our Philosophy

Answers to Our 5 Minute Health Assessment

(Take the Quiz)

1. If you smoke cigarettes:
If you smoke, you increase your risk of lung cancer as well as mouth, esophagus, pancreatic, and bladder cancers...and cardiovascular disease. Wounds and broken bones also take longer to heal in smokers.

2. If you use smokeless tobacco:
Not even smokeless tobacco is safe: if you use it, you run a very high risk of mouth cancers, especially if you also consume alcohol.

3. If your blood pressure is borderline or high:
Untreated, high blood pressure (hypertension) can lead to serious health problems such as heart damage and strokes. The only way to know if your blood pressure is elevated is by having it checked.

4. If you often eat red meat or fried food:
Red meats and fried foods are typically high in cholesterol and saturated fats, and if they're a regular part of your diet, you may be increasing your risk of cardiovascular disease.

5. What about serum cholesterol?
High cholesterol is linked to blockage of arteries and heart attacks.

6. What about HDL cholesterol:
HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol has been called the "good" cholesterol because it seems to have a protective effect against heart attacks. Your HDL cholesterol in relation to your total serum cholesterol can be an important index of your overall cardiovascular health.

7. If you drink alcohol: 
While moderate alcohol consumption seems to protect the heart, immoderate drinking can result in high blood pressure, ulcers, depression, liver disease, and impaired judgment (which, in turn, can lead to physical injury, accidents, or personal/occupational problems).

8. About physical activity:
Regular exercise protects against heart disease, boosts your immune system, helps lower blood pressure, increases your "good" HDL cholesterol, and may even protect against certain cancers. You don't have to be a fitness fanatic or belong to a health club to reap exercise's benefits. Just 30 minutes of moderate aerobics or brisk walking three times a week can do wonders.

9. If you often feel "burned out" or exhausted from work:
Some stress in your life is good: it motivates and energizes. But too much stress can sap you physically and emotionally. Learning how to handle it is the key. Balancing life's stressors with recreational activities, managing time better, and nurturing strong interpersonal relationships can all help you harness stress in a healthier way.

10. If you don't use a seat belt:
Car accidents are the leading cause of death in persons under 40, and among the top 5 causes until about age 65. You can stop smoking, eat right, and exercise, but if you don't wear a seat belt, it could all come to naught at the hands of a careless or intoxicated driver.

11. If you don't use sunscreen:
Overexposure to the sun's ultraviolet radiation is dangerous. Skin cancer is the number one cancer in America, and its incidence is rising. To protect yourself, wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, seek shade during midday, and avoid tanning, which can damage the skin and set the stage for cancer. See your doctor if you notice a changing, growing, or new mole on your body.

12. If you're putting off a physical exam:
A "full" physical isn't needed each year, but it is recommended if you haven't seen a doctor in several years. Yearly checkups should include checks of blood pressure, weight, a digital rectal exam for men over 40, and screening tests for cancer, usually on a 3 to 5 year schedule. Men should feel comfortable seeing their doctors for any reason at any time. Partnering with your physician for effective preventive healthcare and early detection of disease is the best strategy for maintaining your health.