In today’s world, with health insurance more out of reach than ever and unemployment taking away employer provided insurance coverage, we the people must take responsibility for the big and little surprises in life.  These surprises can befall any member of our family at any moment.

Preventive health care is one of the best safeguards against major medical catastrophic. Preventive health care takes time and thought, and it just seems so unnecessary to go to the doctor when you are well and healthy.  But interestingly enough, that is the best time to make visit to the medical professional. This is also the time to utilize emergency cash.  While preventive health care is not cheap, it is less expensive than a major disease that could have been prevented by front end care.

Some of the major systems—cardiovascular, pulmonary, digestive, female/male—have standard preventive care. Men and women alike should have regular stress tests and other heart health care to keep abreast of disease potential. If there is a family history of coronary disease of any kind, the preventive care must be stepped up.

The American Heart Association has data showing the death rates from various types of cardiovascular disease have declined, and one main reason is that people are making positive changes in their life styles as well as regular testing at the doctor’s office. Adults who are over forty and have a risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) should be assessed every five years, and more frequently if the factors are deteriorating.

Women know that annual mammograms are recommended after age forty, and before that age if there is a family history of breast cancer. For male and female, a colonoscopy is recommended for preventive care every one or three years depending on the person’s age, family history, and any abnormality that may present itself.