MAVCO Disease
Vigilance
Refer to breast and testicular examination and
eye grid (Amsler grid) |
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Macular Degeneration Detection
Amsler Grid
MAVCO recommends
using the Amsler Grid to
self-monitor disorders of your central retina, the macular.
It is a sensitive test aimed at detecting macular diseases
especially unstable (wet) macular degeneration. In such
disorders the lines on the grid become distorted (wavy
lines) and there may be a loss of the central dot. Please
use the link below to download or print the grid to check
your vision at least once a week, especially if you have
macular degeneration. Follow the instructions and if you
detect any changes MAVCO recommends that you seek the
assistance of an ophthalmologist, optometrist or your
family doctor. Apart from the use of the Amsler Grid,
you may detect that your vision is distorted when you
look at the horizon, at tiles and picture frames.
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MAVCO recommends using
the Amsler Grid at least once a week to monitor your vision.
The grid below should be printed and placed
in a prominent place such as on the fridge or in the bathroom
so that it is not forgotten.
Cover one eye and have this page at an ordinary reading
distance. Use your reading glasses if required to see
the grid clearly. Look at the black spot in the centre
of the chart below. Repeat the above step with your other
eye.
If you notice that
in either eye there is a change in your vision such as
the straight lines on the grid become distorted (wavy
or bent), dark greyish patches appear or the central dot
is no longer visible, you need to consult your eye specialist,
optometrist or family physician.
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General Eye Monitoring
Mavco
recommends
that all people cover each eye one at a time to detect
any changes in vision. This unmasks any changes in vision
in one eye. It should be practiced daily as you do regular
exercise.
Mavco recommends that you
report any sudden onset of flashes of light, floaters
in your vision or loss of a part of your vision (field
loss) as this may represent a potential or actual retinal
detachment. Further you should report an onset of blurry
and distorted vision (found with or without an Amsler
Grid as well as eye pain and eye redness. Sudden loss
of all your vision in an eye is a medical emergency.
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Breast
Changes
MAVCO recommends
that you perform at least monthly breast examinations
as well as discuss with your doctor detection of breast
cancer by breast examination and regular mammograms. Early
detection and management of breast cancer is totally curable.
Also discuss with your doctor the importance of mammograms.
Generally it is recommended that mammograms are performed
regularly from 40 years of age however this may need to
begin earlier if there is a family history of breast cancer.
MAVCO recommends that you perform regular Self breast
Examination - Self
Breast Examination Video
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Testicular
Changes
MAVCO recommends
that you perform at least monthly testicular examinations
as well as discuss with your doctor detection of testicular
cancer. Early detection of testicular cancer is totally
curable.
MAVCO recommends that you
perform regular Testicular Examination - Testicular
Examination Video
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Skin
Changes
MAVCO recommends that
you notify you r doctor if you notice that a mole changes
in colour, size, is more elevated, bleeds unexpectedly
or begins to flake or become itchy. Early detection and
management of skin cancer is totally curable.
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Unexplained
Weight Loss
MAVCO recommends
that you notify your doctor if weight loss occurs in the
absence of a weight loss or exercise programme. Further
a loss of appetite is important to notify. Early detection
and management of bowel cancer is totally curable
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Unexplained
Rectal Bleeding
MAVCO recommends
that you notify your doctor if you experience bleeding
from the back passage. This may be painless and in the
form of bright red blood that is visible in the toilet
bowl, noticeable on the toilet paper or covering the stool.
Dark stool (melaena) represents blood that has been transformed
in the bowel in bleeding that is higher up in the colon.
Early detection and management of bowel cancer is totally
curable
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Sudden
change in speech, vision, balance and strength and touch
sensation in any part of the body
MAVCO recommends
that you notify your doctor if any of these symptoms occur.
Early assessment of a stroke may lead to recovery and
prevention of further stroke.
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Headache
MAVCO recommends
that you notify you r doctor if a headache is persistent
after taking simple pain tablets. These concerns are heightened
if any of the following occur (the list is not exhaustive);
blurred vision, slurred speech, double vision, ringing
of the ears, imbalance, difficulty walking or using arms,
headache or fever. Also of concern is a persistent headache
that may feature one or all of the following; fever, scalp
tenderness, pain in the jaw on chewing, lethargy and shoulder
pain. Early detection and management of stroke, inflammatory
or infective conditions can be totally curable.
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Chest
Pain or tightness, shortness of breath or a racing irregular
heart
MAVCO recommends
that you notify you r doctor if any of these symptoms
occur. Further swelling of the ankles, calves or legs,
fevers or coughing up blood. Timely treatment can be totally
curable and prevent further damage to the heart or lungs.
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