Why Seniors Need Regular Medical Checkups
It is important to keep up on regular medical checkups in order to review your overall health, discuss your current medications, manage any chronic illnesses that you may have and prevent the development of other medical diseases. Typically, you will need to visit with your physician at least once a year. You may be required to make an appointment more frequently if you have a chronic illness, such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes. Additionally, it is important to always schedule an appointment with your doctor if you begin to feel under the weather or you experience new symptoms. Always speak with your doctor about symptoms that you may be experiencing, such as:- Memory loss or loss of focus.
- Confusion of disorientation.
- Loss of appetite.
- Weight loss or gain that is unintended.
- Persistent fatigue.
- Frequent urination.
- Pain or stiffness.
Important Screenings for Seniors
It is important to participate in early detection tests, or screenings, even if you feel just fine. Medical screenings can help to ensure that you live a longer and healthier life. Regular screenings can prevent illnesses as many risk factors will be seen long before you begin to feel ill, experience symptoms or develop a disease. Illnesses such as heart disease and cancer can be caught early, increasing your odds of a successful treatment and a full recovery. Each medical health screening will have its own period of time that is recommended for you, depending on your health and any other conditions that you may have. While some screenings are performed once a year at your annual checkup, there are many that may need to be done more often or less frequently. Common and important medical screenings include:- Blood pressure screening.
- Cholesterol screening.
- Colon cancer screening.
- Diabetes screening.
- Osteoporosis screening.
Recommended Vaccinations for Senior Citizens
As part of your routine medical checkup, it is important to ensure that all of your vaccinations are up to date and that you obtain your annual flu vaccination. Vaccinations save lives as they help your body to become resistant or immune to deadly viruses and diseases that can cause paralysis, pain, broken bones or death. If you followed a regular vaccination schedule as a child and young adult, you will have likely already received vaccinations for:- Measles, mumps and rubella.
- Human papillomavirus.
- Chickenpox.
- Hepatitis A and B.
- Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. A booster is recommended once every 10 years along with the initial vaccination.
- Pneumococcal vaccination once within your lifetime
- Meningococcal vaccination once within your lifetime
- Shingles vaccination once within your lifetime, even if you have previously had shingles
5 Preventive Health Care Tips for Senior Citizens
In order to further take charge of your health and prevent a number of chronic illnesses, it is important to follow these preventive health care tips that are designed for senior citizens. Make the most out of your visit with your physicians by preparing ahead of time. Make a list of topics that you would like to discuss with your doctor, including your current list of medications, any changes to your responses to medications, any worsening or new symptoms and any changes in your activities. Leave space after each note so that you can write notes about your doctor’s answers and suggestions that they may have. If you could not hear or understand something that your doctor said, be sure ask the doctor to repeat what was said. While falls are common among senior citizens, there are several steps that you can take to reduce your risk of a fall. Engage in an exercise routine that will improve your balance, flexibility and strength. This can help you prevent falls and avoid injuries if you do happen to fall. Discuss your risk for falls with your primary care physician and review your current medications in case they produce side effects that can increase your risk of falls. Ensure that your home is free of tripping hazards, has an adequate amount of light. Install grab bars at key areas of your home, such as inside the shower or bath tub. Protect your skin in order to avoid skin cancer. As you grow older, your skin loses much of the elasticity that it once had and it may take you longer to heal from cuts and bruises. Too much of the ultraviolet rays from the sun can cause skin cancer in anyone, but senior citizens are more at risk. Always use sunscreen to protect your skin if you intend to be in the sun for a long period of time. Schedule regular appointments for dental, vision and hearing checkups. Dental checkups, along with brushing and flossing each day, can help you ensure that your teeth and gums stay healthy throughout your life. Generally, cleanings should be scheduled twice a year. Hearing tests are also invaluable and should be performed every one to two years in order to determine whether or not you have experienced hearing loss and assess your need for a hearing aid. Vision tests are also crucial, especially if you are experiencing any symptoms of blurred vision. You should get your vision checked at least once every 2 years, but you may require tests more often if you have certain medical conditions like diabetes. By maintaining a healthy weight through a healthy diet and a regular exercise routine, you can reduce your risk for chronic illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. If you need to lose weight, try cutting back on calorie intake by 500 to 750 calories each day. Set realistic goals for yourself and aim to lose 1 to 2 pounds each week. Cut back on sugar and avoid sugary drinks. If you are unsure whether or not you are currently at a healthy weight, speak with your doctor or refer to the Body Mass Index (BMI).By Admin –