Keeping Executive Health a Top Priority
by Bijoy Khandheria, MD
Advocate Aurora’s Global Executive Health Program has transformed executive health services from a traditional physical exam into a fully integrated, head-to-toe evaluation by a team of medical experts. Each executive health assessment is fully customized to the person’s individual needs. It includes a range of diagnostic testing, depending on the person’s age, gender and health history. Advocate Aurora’s preventative health recommendations are based on the most current, evidence-based science.
Our Global Executive Health program encompasses:
• identifying and managing medical conditions
• heart health and cardiovascular counseling
• proper nutrition, fitness and weight management
• importance of proper sleep health
• behavioral health and emotional well-being
• review of medications, vaccinations
This holistic approach provides an in-depth understanding of the person’s current health status. It offers the convenience of completing this evaluation in one place during a single visit.
Appropriate tests are ordered after a comprehensive medical history is taken and reviewed. The day-long itinerary may include any of the following:
• a complete physical exam
• various laboratory tests
• resting electrocardiogram (ECG)
• treadmill exercise test (in appropriate age group)
• chest X-ray, if indicated
• colonoscopy, if indicated
• cervical, breast cancer screening (women)
• bone density scan (women 50+, men 65+)
• PSA test (men)
• abdominal aortic ultrasound (men 65+)
Creating lasting connections
The day-long assessment concludes with an extensive one-on-one discussion with the Executive Health physician to:
• review diagnostic and laboratory test results
• develop a plan to improve health (examples: exercise, diet, nutrition, stress reduction)
• address issues and offer advice on any health concerns
• encourage lifestyle changes to achieve peak health and wellness
The Advocate Aurora Global Executive Health team stays connected with program participants throughout the year, checking on their progress toward achieving better health.
A preventative approach pays dividends (for everyone)
Advocate Aurora reminds everyone (not only our executive health participants) about the importance of “catching up” on preventive health screenings that may have been missed during the pandemic. Serious medical conditions — hypertension, diabetes and heart disease — might have unknowingly progressed since the pandemic began.
Many people gained weight during the stay-at-home period. Cholesterol, blood pressure and glucose numbers could be elevated. People who were previously “pre-diabetic” might now be diabetic. By the time disease symptoms become noticeable, these condition(s) could do permanent damage. Now is the time for everyone to get back on track with routine preventative health care.
Cancer doesn’t wait
Many people put off cancer screening tests while staying safer at home. According to a recent study in JAMA Oncology, more than nine million cancer screenings were missed or delayed during the pandemic. Delays of just a few months in detecting various forms of cancer can make treatment more difficult and reduce chances of survival. This is true for breast, cervical, colon and lung cancers.
A Safe Care Promise
Health and safety is our highest priority and the Advocate Aurora Safe Care Promise provides peace of mind at every step of your journey with us. Our promise includes:
- Appointment reminders with clear previsit instructions
- Seamless and secure virtual check-ins
- Thorough cleaning before and after your visit
- Secure spaces, from patient rooms to parking spaces
- Checkpoints to ensure proper patient identification
- Stringent hand-washing protocols for our team members
A final thought
Getting back into the routine of preventive health screening is one of the most important things we can do to ensure our own health and wellness. People may be tempted to delay seeking preventative care because they are afraid of what they might learn. Ignorance is not bliss. The best way to keep your health from going in the wrong direction is to see your health care provider regularly — and please follow recommended preventative care guidelines.
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