The 5 easy steps that can save more than 100,000 lives a year

A recent research reported in Mayo Clinic Womens HealthSource has suggested that 5 health prevention strategies could save more than 100,000 lives a year.

Washington, Mar 5 : A recent research reported in Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource has suggested that 5 health prevention strategies could save more than 100,000 lives a year.

The research indicated that cost, busy schedules or just plain doctor avoidance prevent some people from seeking important preventive care. However, it pointed out that skipping important screenings leads to an increased risk of illness or having an illness diagnosed at a later stage when it becomes difficult to treat or cure.

It was demonstrated that Americans can do better in receiving preventive care.

Five steps outlined by Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource to get on track with preventive screenings, are as follows:

1. Get an annual flu shot: If 90 pct of adults of age group 50 and above, received an annual flu shot, it'll be possible to save around 12,000 American lives every year. About 37 percent of adults get this annual vaccine.

2. Keep current with breast cancer screenings: Women age 40 or older should go for a mammogram and clinical breast exam at least every two years. If 90 pct of women did this, 3,700 American lives would be saved annually. Currently, 67 percent of women in this age group have been screened for breast cancer in the last two years.

3. Stay up-to-date with colorectal cancer screenings: an adult of age 50 should ask a doctor about the best colorectal screening choice and schedule it. If 90 percent of adults were up-to-date with this screening, 14,000 American lives would be saved each year. Less than 50 pct of adults in this age group are current with screenings.

4. Talk to a doctor about resources to stop smoking: If 90 percent of smokers were advised by their doctors to quit, and were offered medications and resources to help, it'll possibly save around 42,000 American lives each year. Only 28 pct of smokers receive these services today.

5. Ask a doctor about aspirin therapy: If 90 pct of women over age 65 and men over 40 took a daily aspirin to help prevent a heart attack or stroke, 45,000 American lives would be saved each year. Less than half of adults in the United States take aspirin preventively in today's date. It is important to consult a doctor before starting aspirin therapy.

ANI