What should be at the top of your birthday wish list? A gift you give yourself -- prioritizing your health.
Preventive care is one of your best weapons against disease, and a method to monitor and manage conditions before they become serious. One essential part of preventive care -- screenings!
Read on to learn more about two essential preventive screenings you should start in your 40s (or sooner if recommended by your provider) and get the guidelines for additional screenings and vaccinations you or your loved ones may need.
Colonoscopy Starting at age 45
Everyone age 45 or older should have some form of colon cancer screening. In the latest episode of the We Are Valley podcast, co-producer Kristin Bidwell sits down with gastroenterologist Brandon Teng, MD, to discuss colonoscopy prep, procedure, and more. Listen to the colonoscopy podcast.
Every woman is at risk for breast cancer. One in eight will develop the disease, and 85% of those who are diagnosed have no family history of breast cancer. This is why Valley's Breast Center team believes that mammography remains the most effective tool for the detection of breast cancer at its earliest and most treatable stages.
Preventive health isn't limited to colonoscopies and mammograms, and is important for all ages. Click the cakes below to download our handy adult and pediatric health guidelines for screenings you or your loved ones might need and at what ages.
And, as always, for questions or concerns about your health, talk to your provider.
Share Your Perspective!
Valley Medical Center's 2026 Community Health Needs Assessment
Valley Medical Center is conducting a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), a comprehensive report to help us better understand the health needs of the community our health system serves. We have engaged an independent third party, Forward Community Health Consulting, for this work.
As part of the assessment process, Valley is asking community members to add their voices in prioritizing significant health needs occurring in the communities we serve. The information collected will help Valley focus strategies and partnership-building to address these unmet needs.
Thank you in advance for sharing your input and perspectives!
Valley's Lifestyle365® program was created to give you the tools to take control of your health and fitness. Our exercise specialists will be with you every step of the way as you learn to:
Diabetes Prevention Program Provides Long-Term Value
In the U.S., 1 in 3 adults has prediabetes and is at risk for type 2 diabetes, yet nearly 85% don't know they have it. Having prediabetes means your blood glucose (sugar) level is higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. This raises your risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
But if I have prediabetes, I'm not diabetic? While this is true, prediabetes is like your body's own check engine light. It is a warning that diabetes is ahead, and if you don't do some preventive maintenance or change your path, diabetes is inevitable.
Valley is here to help! Our next Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) cohort begins Monday, Feb. 23. Learn more about the program and fill out the interest form at valleymed.org/dpp.
Is a loved one due for a preventive screen? Forward them this newsletter! If you were sent this newsletter, click here to subscribe and receive monthly health and wellness info from Valley Medical Center.
Content in this newsletter is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace the guidance of a medical professional.
Valley Medical Center, 400 S. 43rd St., Renton, WA 98055
