Some people’s view on good health means that they need to have more and more medical tests. They also think they should be having more visits to their doctor and to always remain vigilant. However, in some circumstances this really is not the best approach. Too much medical testing and unnecessary visits to the doctor can result in anxiety. There are also surgeries that can be avoided.
All medical procedures and tests come with risks. This can be harmful to an individual’s overall health. When it comes to medical procedures, tests and our health, it is always good to be kept informed. The right choices should also be made. Whilst it is wise to go to suitable screenings at the right time, it is also wise to avoid the screenings that can be avoided. In this article, we will have a look at what the 8 most unnecessary medical tests you get done are:
1. CT Scans or PET
CT scans are helpful for finding serious diseases in your body. This may include lung cancer. CT scans can search for cancers in most areas of the body. However, such scans are not suitable for routine use. Research has shown that the chances of CT scans finding cancer in adults who experience no signs or symptoms is as low as approximately one per cent. Not only that, but radiation can also be an issue. By exposing yourself to radiation on a regular basis, you have a very high chance of obtaining cancer just from this.
PET scanning is designed only for those who already have cancer.
2. Teeth Polishing
If you cannot wait to get out of the dentist chair, there is some good news. When you are offered the small motorized rubber cup to give your teeth a polish, you can say no thanks to this. Whilst your teeth may be smooth for a short time, it is up to you if you wish to use this or not. The purpose of teeth polishing is to remove stains. Instead of an actual health benefit, it is simply designed to give a cosmetic effect on your teeth.
If you are a heavy smoker, or drink beverages that stain your teeth, then you may be required to have your teeth polished. In this instance, it could actually cause more harm to your enamel. This is because an abrasive is used for polishing.
If you want to avoid getting stains, the best way to do this is to brush and floss your teeth every day.
3. Urinary Catheter
Urinary Catheter tests are not enjoyable at all. However, you will be pleased to know that if it is suggested to you, you can actually say you’d rather not have it. Most of the time catheters are only used for the convenience of the hospital staff. Such instruments increase the risk of an individual developing a urinary tract infection.
However, if you have had surgery performed on your urinary system, and you are very ill, then hospital staff may have no choice to use a catheter.
4. Pap Smear
Most medical professionals will often recommend pap smears to women. These are usually scheduled for at least once every twelve months. It is always worth keeping the appointment even if it is to simply talk to your doctor about problems and concerns you may have been experiencing. Your doctor will inform you whether or not you require a pap smear test. It has been recommended that women who are between the age of thirty and sixty-five get a pap smear test done every three years.
5. Bone Density Tests
Most people are never at risk for serious bone loss before the age of sixty-five. Serious bone loss usually only occurs if an individual is a heavy drinker or smoker. They may also have low vitamin D levels or low body weight. If you do not experience these things, then these tests really do not need to be had.
Bone density tests are also recognized as a DEXA scan. This is a type of X-ray. The X-Ray is designed to measure the amount of calcium and other minerals in the bones.
If you do have a scan and the bone loss is mild, then there are medications that can be used to treat it. However, these may only help for a few years. Side effects may also be experienced.
The best thing to do is to protect your bones as much as you can. You can do this by: limiting the amount of alcohol you drink, do aerobic and strength exercises, limit taking medications that harm bones, and get the right amount of vitamin D and calcium into your body.
6. Visits To The Dentist
It has been advised that visits to the dentist should be at approximately every six months. However, this can be different for everybody. Others are required to go every three or four months. Others for over twelve months. It really depends on the circumstances of the individual. Your dentist will let you know when they need to see you next.
7. Back Pain Imaging Test
Back pain is no fun at all to deal with. When you go to your doctor about this, you can be sure they will refer you on to have an X-ray or MIR scan. These scan’s and X-ray’s should be able to assist them in determining what the cause of your pain is.owever, this is not always necessary. Why? Because more often than not, most back pain will have improved within a month. Research has proven that back imaging scans will show anatomic abnormalities in individual’s that have no back pain at all. For this reason, imaging alone should never be relied on. It can also lead to treatments that do not help the individual at all and cause other complications.
However, this is not always necessary. Why? Because more often than not, most back pain will have improved within a month. Research has proven that back imaging scans will show anatomic abnormalities in individual’s that have no back pain at all. For this reason, imaging alone should never be relied on. It can also lead to treatments that do not help the individual at all and cause other complications.
If you experience unexplained weight loss, numbness or weakness in the legs, pain for over six weeks, fevers higher than one hundred and two degrees, no control of your bowels or bladder, or have had cancer in the past, then imaging may be required immediately.
8. Annual Cardiac Stress Test
This test you can be sure to cross off your list of things to do. If you are not showing signs of heart disease, smoking, no high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes, then it is pointless taking this test. If you take this test, you may end up with too much radiation and other unimportant procedures.
Sourced from: Prevention
Photo: Thinkstock/semakokal
