More than ever, people are being proactive about their health and well-being. This guide has been prepared by the physicians of the Palo Alto Medical Foundation (PAMF) to help you understand the need to schedule regular preventive medical care.

Health maintenance and disease prevention are high priorities at PAMF. Our Preventive Guidelines Task Force, comprised of primary care physicians, specialists and health educators, reviews new information and regularly updates our recommendations regarding who needs which screening tests and when. PAMF's Preventive Care Guidelines summarize the tests and evaluations we recommend for healthy individuals and how often they should be completed. This guide is organized in sections relevant for all ages and genders.

A "health maintenance evaluation" includes:

• Identifying risk factors in one’s personal and family health history
  
• Performing a focused exam as appropriate
  
• Obtaining needed screening tests at the right intervals
  
• Encouraging people to choose healthy lifestyles to maximize their health.

This check-up" can occur during an office visit devoted to health maintenance or may be covered during an office visit for other concerns.

We encourage you to ask questions and take a partnership approach with your doctors to maximize your health and get the preventive screening tests that really matter.

Please check the extensive and continually updated Preventive Care Guidelines information on our Web site.

Suggestions for Maintaining Your Health

• Review the Preventive Care Guidelines for the screening tests and immunizations that are appropriate for you. If you think you may have missed one of these tests or shots, call your doctor.
  
• Complete an Advance Health Care Directive.
  
• Exercise "aerobically" enough to raise your heart rate to about (220 – your age) x 0.7. Your goal is to do this at least 30 minutes every day.
  
• Achieve and maintain normal body weight.
  
• Eat fruits, vegetables and foods low in saturated fat and trans fatty acids and high in calcium and fiber. Take a calcium supplement, if necessary, to ensure adequate intake.
  
• Practice safe sex and use condoms whenever appropriate. Use a reliable method of contraception to prevent unwanted pregnancy.
  
• Do not smoke, and avoid inhaling others' cigarette smoke. If you need help quitting, please call your doctor.
  
• "Safety-proof" your home to prevent poisoning and accidental use of firearms. Check your smoke detectors regularly.
  
• Do not drive or allow others to drive while under the influence of alcohol or other mind-altering substances.
  
• Use sport helmets appropriately, regardless of your age.
  
• Know the safety regulations for automobile airbags.
  
• Seek help early for depression, mood changes, alcohol or drug abuse.
  
• Perform regular skin self-examinations. Protect your skin from sun damage with sunscreen and clothing.
  
• Women should learn about and perform monthly breast self-examinations.
  
• Men should learn about and perform testicular self-examinations.
  
• Find balance in your life between work, home and play. Include stress reduction activities every day.

Community Health Resource Center

The staff in the Community Health Resource Center (CHRC) is available to help you with health-related questions. The CHRC houses a large collection of books, videos, community resource binders and a special children's health section. For assistance, visit the CHRC Web site or call 650-934-7380.

Advance Health Care Directive

This document enables you to communicate your wishes to your family and caregivers in the event of a serious medical condition that prevents you from speaking or making your own health care decisions. You may obtain an Advance Health Care Directive form from your physician or print a copy from our Web site. If you would like a free consultation with a trained volunteer on how to complete this important form, call 650-934-7380 for an appointment.

"For Your Health" Lectures

The Palo Alto Medical Foundation offers free monthly lectures on a variety of health-related topics. These presentations are are open to the public. For a list of topics, visit the Health Education Web site, or call 408-523-3295.

Domestic Violence

No one deserves to be abused, physically or emotionally. If you have any concerns, please discuss them with your doctor. We can help.

Additional resources:
Support Network for Battered Women Help Line:
800-572-2782

Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence Hotline:
408-279-2962