What simple preventive health measures would help us live healthier, longer lives for the least money? After reviewing more than 8,000 studies, the Partnership for Prevention came up with its ranking of the top 25 services:
1.Daily aspirin to reduce the risk of heart attacks and stroke in women older than 50 and men over 40.
2. Immunize children against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, measles, mumps, rubella, polio, hepatitis B, chickenpox and the flu.
3. Screen for tobacco use and counsel users to help them quit.
4. Screen for colorectal cancer among adults 50 and older.
5. Check blood pressure in all adults, and treat with hypertension drugs if needed.
6. Annual flu shots for adults 50 and older.
7. Vaccinate against pneumonia infections in adults 65 and older.
8. Screen for problem drinking and counsel alcohol users.
9. Vision checks for adults 65 and older.
10. Cervical-cancer screening for sexually active women and those older than 21.
11. Cholesterol testing for men 35 and older and women 45 and older.
12. Routine breast-cancer screening for women 50 and older. Women ages 40-49 should discuss screening options with their doctor.
13. Chlamydia screening for sexually active women under age 25.
14. Calcium supplements for adolescent girls and women.
15. Vision screening for kids younger than 5.
16. Folic acid supplements for women planning to become pregnant.
17. Obesity screening and diet and exercise counseling for the obese.
18. Depression screening for adults.
19. Hearing screening for those 65 and older.
20. Child-safety measures such as car seats, stair guards, poison control, pool fences, bicycle helmets.
21. Osteoporosis screening for women 65 and older.
22. High-risk cholesterol testing for men ages 20 to 35 and women 20 to 45 if they have risk factors for heart disease.
23. Diabetes screening for adults with high cholesterol or high blood pressure.
24. Diet counseling for patients with high cholesterol or other chronic diseases.
25. Tetanus-diphtheria booster shot for adults every 10 years.
For the full report, visit: prevent.org/nccp
Source: Priorities for America's Health: Capitalizing on Life-Saving, Cost-Effective Preventive Service, by the Partnership for Prevention.