Blood tests serve as a crucial tool in detecting potential irregularities within the body. By analyzing a blood sample in a lab, a wide range of health evaluations can be made to detect:

• Health concerns like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer
• The performance of your kidneys, liver, heart, and thyroid
• The presence of an active infection
• The effectiveness of your current treatments such as medications

Typically conducted during your annual physical, these blood screenings may also be recommended if you are experiencing specific symptoms.

As we age, our bones tend to lose density, becoming more porous and increasing the risk of fractures. This is known as osteoporosis. A bone density screening is a simple, non-invasive, and painless imaging test that assesses whether you currently have or are at risk of developing osteoporosis.

For women, it is suggested to undergo bone density screenings by age 65, and for men, by age 70. If certain risk factors for osteoporosis are present, your healthcare provider might advise having the screening done earlier.

If you are not getting enough quality rest, it may trigger a variety of health issues. Poor sleep has been associated with a weakened immune system and conditions like hypertension, obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Lack of adequate sleep may also result in fatigue during the day, heightening the likelihood of car accidents and injuries at home or work.

Common sleep disorders include conditions like sleep apnea, insomnia, restless leg syndrome, and narcolepsy, among others.

At the WCH Sleep Disorders Center, our team of sleep medicine specialists is dedicated to identifying the cause of your disrupted sleep patterns and helping you resolve them. This process may involve assessments, maintaining a sleep journal, conducting overnight sleep studies, and offering advice on the use of essential respiratory devices, like a CPAP machine for those with sleep apnea.

If your symptoms suggest the presence of a sleep-related breathing issue, such as sleep apnea, a sleep study could be recommended.

Monitoring your blood pressure regularly provides valuable insights into the strain placed on your heart. Elevated blood pressure signifies that your heart is exerting more effort than necessary. Without intervention, this condition could lead to heart damage or even heart failure.

For those interested in using a home blood pressure monitor, it is important to take measurements consistently at the same time every day. Since blood pressure naturally varies throughout the day, a twice-daily check might be ideal. Many find it effective to record their blood pressure once in the morning — at least 30 minutes post-wakeup, prior to coffee and breakfast — and once more before bedtime.

Elevated cholesterol levels can lead to plaque accumulation in your arteries, limiting the blood flow back to the heart. This build-up increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke if the arteries are obstructed or if a blood clot forms.

Just like high blood pressure, keeping an eye on your cholesterol levels is often the first step in maintaining a healthy heart.

Electrocardiography, also referred to as EKG or ECG, is a swift and painless diagnostic procedure carried out in a doctor's office. Its purpose is to detect any irregularities in heart function.

This test uses small electronic sensors applied with an adhesive to your skin. As you sit still, the heart's electrical activity is captured and charted, allowing any heartbeat or rhythm discrepancies to be easily observed.

An EKG might be suggested if you have symptoms related to heart issues, such as breathlessness or an irregular heartbeat. Additionally, it could be necessary before undergoing surgery, particularly if you have conditions like hypertension, heart disease, or diabetes.

Echocardiography, often referred to as an "echo," uses ultrasound technology to assess how well the blood flow through the heart. This non-invasive and painless procedure involves the gentle movement of a hand-held device across the skin above your heart. By emitting harmless sound waves, it generates a real-time visual of your heart's activity. Typically, this test is administered when heart-related symptoms are present.

In a cardiac stress test, also known as an exercise stress test, an EKG is utilized to assess how your heart performs under physical strain. Typically, this evaluation takes place using either a treadmill or a stationary bicycle. For those who are unable to perform rigorous physical activity, medication may be administered to simulate exercise by increasing the heart's workload.

Learn more about your heart health with our comprehensive blood flow studies, ideal for patients ages 40 and above who may be at risk for heart disease.

Using advanced ultrasound and Doppler technology, these noninvasive examinations simply glide a handheld device over your skin, utilizing sound waves to explore the vascular system. As sound waves reflect off your tissues and moving blood, our machine captures any changes with a distinct “whoosh” sound.

These exams allow us to detect potential blood clots, aneurysms, heart, or leg valve issues, and narrowing or blockage in your arteries.

Flu shots are recommended each year for all adults with very few exceptions. These vaccines are reformulated and designed every year to protect against the most viral strains circulating that season.

The Wooster Community Pharmacy administers this vaccine, for more information, call (330) 202-5570.

The shingles vaccine, also known as the Zoster recombinant vaccine, is a series of two shots recommended for those over the age of 50.

Shingles is characterized by painful blisters caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which remains dormant after an individual has chickenpox. While shingles can be treated, it cannot be completely cured. It is important to get vaccinated for this condition, as it can be contagious to those who have not had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine.

The Wooster Community Pharmacy administers this vaccine, for more information call (330) 202-5570.

Protect yourself and your family from the serious threats of tetanus and diphtheria with the Td vaccine.

Tetanus, a bacterial infection often entered through cuts or wounds, can lead to painful muscle spasms and lockjaw if left unchecked. Similarly, diphtheria poses grave risks like breathing difficulties and potential heart complications.

Although these conditions are now rare in the U.S. due to widespread vaccination, maintaining protection is crucial.

Additionally, consider the Tdap vaccine which not only guards against tetanus and diphtheria but also provides immunity against pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough. While adults may experience less severe symptoms, pertussis can be extremely dangerous for infants and young children.

Stay safeguarded by following the CDC's advice: after the initial shot, make sure you receive a Td or Tdap booster every decade.

The Wooster Community Pharmacy administers this vaccine. For more information, call (330) 202-5570.