Based on your ancestry, you could be predisposed to certain diseases. The following tips may help lower your risk for some health problems. Ask your doctor if some of these lifestyle/diet/screening modifications may benefit you. Breast cancer: Get a clinical breast exam every three years in your 20s and 30s; yearly after 40. Start mammograms at age 40. If a close relative had breast cancer, there may be reason to start screening even earlier.
African-American women may want to request ultrasonograms (using sound waves) or an MRI (radio waves) instead of a mammogram, because they're better for looking at dense breast tissue. Talk to your doctor about breast self-exams.
Cardiovascular disease/stroke: Maintain your optimal weight; exercise at least 30 minutes a day; keep cholesterol and blood pressure under control; don't smoke; eat a healthy low-fat diet.
Cervical cancer: Get annual Pap test and gynecological exams. If between ages 9 to 26, consider getting the Gardasil vaccine to protect against genital human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes cervical cancer.
Diabetes: Maintain a healthy weight; eat a low-fat, low-sugar diet; exercise at least 30 minutes a day; get a glucose blood test early and frequently if you're at risk.
Glaucoma: Get an annual eye exam after age 35. Dilation should be part of every exam, as should opthalmoscopy, a test in which light is projected through the eye to examine the optic nerve.
Hypertension: Eat a low-fat, low-sodium diet; lose excess weight; exercise at least 30 minutes a day; quit smoking; reduce stress; eat plenty of potassium.
Melanoma: Use sunscreen with at least 15 SPF; wear protective clothing, hats and sunglasses; restrict sun exposure, especially from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; tell doctor about changes in moles or skin.
Osteoporosis: Exercise (cardio and strength training) frequently; take calcium and vitamin D supplements; consume foods high in calcium; don't smoke and limit alcohol; if at risk, talk to your doctor about a bone-mineral density test; consider medications that can stop further bone loss.
Prostate cancer: African-American men may want to consider prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing every one to two years starting at age 40.
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