1. Nuclear
stress tests after heart surgery, yearly EKG’s or exercise tests. Much better to do non-invasive functional or
anatomical tests like Calcium score CT scans (once), CardioRisk, Max pulse,
ICD, Heart Rate variability tests.
2. PSA
for prostate screening and annual pap tests.
The former is no better than a digital rectal exam, and pap tests every
3 years is fine for most women, unless they are taking hormones.
3. PET
scan for Alzheimer’s. Asking a few questions is certainly cheaper and probably
more accurate.
4. Any
Xray or MRI for low back pain unless the problem is severe, related to an
injury or persistent over months.
5. Bone
density in women under 65 or men under 70.
At that age, by all means, before that, a vitamin D3 blood test will
suffice.
6. Follow-up
ultrasounds for small ovarian cysts, unless of course symptoms change.
7. Colonoscopy
after age 75—no, but before that, yes.
8. Yearly
physical exams are out, but targeted check-ups are helpful.
Read more in The
Treatment Trap by Rosemary Gibson
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