Obama Receives Executive Physical (thesecretsofvancouver.com)

Should we be getting the ‘Executive Physical’ and is it necessary?

As we all get the typical routine for our annual check ups at the doctors, President Obama received an “executive physical” that included an in-depth top of the line CT scans of his arteries and colon.

Several weeks ago, President Barack Obama was cleared by Dr. Jeffrey Kuhlman who deemed him Healthy and Fit, short of bad eating and smoking habits.

However, according to CNN.com, doctors are not unanimous in their recommendation for such an in-depth check up and as frequently as once a year.

Texas physician, Dr. Tyler Cooper thinks more Americans should follow Obama’s lead in such extensive check-ups.

“We think people should be proactive about their health…These tests give our physicians an in-depth, detailed understanding of a patient’s condition,” he added.

“There’s no question — these tests save lives,” says Dr. Cooper.

Other physicians oppose the idea strongly:

“If someone told me they wanted these tests, I’d tell them they were nuts…Americans have this concept that when it comes to healthcare, more is better, and it’s just not true.”

“I worry about the message the president is sending by getting these tests,” says Dr. Rank.

What is included in an Executive Physicals, as provided by CNN.com

1. “Virtual” colonoscopy

What it is: A CT scan. This test provides a detailed picture of your colon.

Pros and cons: There’s no need to insert a scope into the rectum, so you don’t have to be sedated. If doctors do find a polyp, you’ll have to have a separate procedure to have it removed. The scan exposes you to radiation, and repeated scans over time can increase your risk of cancer.

2. CT scan of the coronary arteries

What it is: This scan checks for calcium in the walls of the arteries that supply your heart with blood. Calcium in the artery walls could mean you have clogged arteries, a leading cause of heart attacks.

Pros and cons: The test is noninvasive, and some doctors believe that when combined with other health information, your calcium “score” can help determine your risk of having a heart attack. The test exposes you to radiation.

3. Chest X-ray

What it is: A chest x-ray reveals several conditions, including fluid in your lungs enlargement of your heart, pneumonia, emphysema and cancer.

Pros and cons: While it can reveal the presence of these conditions, chest X-rays expose you to radiation, albeit at very low doses. Also, an X-ray may yield a “false positive,” meaning that it may show something is wrong when in reality you’re fine. You’ll have to undergo additional testing, which may cause you extra costs and unnecessary worry while you await the results.

4. Stress Test

What it is: Doctors monitor your heart rhythm, blood pressure, and breathing while you walk on a treadmill or ride a stationary bike.

Pros and cons: If you’re having problems such as shortness of breath or a racing heartbeat, a stress test can help determine whether they’re related to a heart problem. Complications, such as dizziness and fainting, are rare.

5. Full Body Scan

What it is: These scans take pictures of the whole body in “slices,” giving doctors a detailed look inside the body.

Pros and cons: The scan can look for signs of certain problems, such as heart disease and cancer. You’re exposed to radiation, and if something abnormal is found, you might need further testing, which would carry additional risks — and the end result might be that the full body scan was in error and nothing was wrong in the first place.