Recipe for Golden Milk plus info on annual screenings

Although I function more as a specialist than a primary care physician, I thought I would put the word out there to be aware of what types of screening exams and tests may be due as we close this year out and begin another.

Though the below-mentioned screenings and tests generally are not subject to deductibles and are usually zero co-pay/co-insurance, you still may want to plan accordingly (i.e. if you have a large deductible that will start back up January 1) as any follow-up exams, tests, and visits that may be necessary based on results do not fall under those guidelines.

Here's a non-exhaustive list:

• Annual physical exam which will commonly include blood work checking blood sugar, thyroid, iron, and cholesterol levels.
• Cervical cancer screening (pap): every 3 years* after age 21.

        *may be run sooner if there is any change in exposure history and/or partner                        change

• Breast cancer screening (mammogram): every 1-2 years starting at age 40.
• Prostate cancer screening (PSA test): every 1-2 years starting at age 55-69 depending on symptoms, personal, and family history.
• Colorectal cancer screening (colonoscopy/FIT test): every 5-10 years starting at age 45.​
• Osteoporosis screening (DEXA scan): starting at age 65 (may be as early at 50 depending on personal and family history). Rechecks every 2-15 years depending on results, personal history, and family history.

As you can see, a lot of the recommendations are personalized based on your past medical history and any pertinent familial risk factors. If you haven't checked in with your primary care provider in a while, ask them what they think you are due for, and go from there.

Let’s end on a warm note:

The antidote in my household to all this cold, wet weather has centered around vitamin D supplementation, warming soups and stews, and a kettle of hot water always ready to brew some tea on the stove.

Here's a little Golden Milk recipe that is widely known and used for warming when the winter weather sets in.

Because I, like most people, can't stand the book-length intro that seems customary on most recipe sites, I thought I'd share a thumbnail recipe here, with a link to the full details here if you'd like to read more.

photo credit sprig&vine

Over the course of this winter season I will share a few more of my favorite home recipes for warming your body from the inside out.

I wish you a warm and toasty winter season,
Dr. Angela Cortal

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