Get health screenings at Northwest Healthcare | News

Northwest Healthcare’s “Enjoy the Ride: Navigating a Longer, Healthier Life” email campaign emphasizes prevention and the importance of addressing medical needs to support health and longevity.

Millions of Americans delay preventive health screenings and elective medical procedures, which lead to surprise diagnoses of major health issues — breast cancer included. Scheduling these appointments before the end of the year may help maximize insurance benefits for patients who have met their health plan deductibles. The greater benefit, however, is maintaining long-term health.

“If a health screening is recommended, it is typically because early detection of a disease or condition can prevent more serious health issues,” said Dr. Anyul Ferez-Pinzon, a general surgeon at Northwest General Surgery at Oro Valley. “With certain elective procedures — like joint replacement or hernia repair — delay can mean more pain or a more complicated procedure and recovery. Physically and mentally, we all feel better when we make our health a priority.”

Preventive screenings to schedule by year’s end include:

•Mammogram — The American College of Radiology recommends annual mammograms for women of average risk starting at age 40. Different guidelines apply to women at higher risk, including African American women, those of Ashkenazi Jewish descent and women with a family history of breast cancer.

•Wellness visit — An annual appointment with a primary care physician is a cornerstone of preventive health. These visits often include discussions about overall health, concerns, and medical history. Physicians typically check blood pressure and heart rate and may recommend blood tests to assess cholesterol, blood sugar, or other conditions.

•Colonoscopy — The CDC recommends colon cancer screening for adults of average risk beginning at age 45, continuing at regular intervals based on physician guidance. Colorectal cancer often develops from precancerous polyps, which can be detected and removed during a colonoscopy. For adults without increased risk, the procedure is typically repeated every 10 years.

In addition to screenings, many adults postpone surgical procedures that could improve quality of life, such as joint replacements. Orthopedic surgeries — including knee and hip replacements — play a vital role in supporting active lifestyles. Because joints can deteriorate further over time, early intervention often helps reduce pain and optimize recovery. Physical therapy following a replacement is designed to restore strength and mobility and guide patients into safe activity levels throughout recovery.

Northwest Healthcare’s patient access team assists individuals in understanding insurance coverage and potential out-of-pocket costs for screenings and elective procedures.