Annual health checkups are an important part of staying healthy because they allow seniors to prevent health conditions and seek treatment before existing conditions worsen. Most physicians have a standard set of things they monitor during these annual visits, but it’s always important to be as thorough as possible. When going to their annual health checkups, seniors should discuss the following things with their doctors.
Basic Measurements
During the checkup, the doctor should check your senior loved one’s blood pressure, height, and weight. Getting these measurements each year is important because it establishes a baseline for your loved one’s health. Any sudden changes in weight could signal your loved one has diabetes or cancer, and a drop in height is a sign he or she might have osteoporosis.
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Routine Blood Tests
For most seniors, an annual checkup may be a good time to get routine blood work done. Blood tests require drawing a small sample of blood, and they can help the doctor diagnose serious conditions before more dangerous symptoms develop. Blood work typically includes tests that check for diabetes, thyroid disorders, kidney conditions, heart conditions, high cholesterol, and prostate cancer.
Vaccinations
An annual checkup is a good time to make sure your loved one’s vaccinations are up to date. Annual pneumococcal and influenza vaccinations can protect against pneumonia and flu viruses. Seniors typically need vaccinations each year because the virus strains that cause these lung conditions change regularly. Seniors can also benefit from getting shingles booster shots every five years and diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis booster shots every 10 years.
Getting regular vaccinations is one of the many ways seniors can prevent several medical conditions. Living with serious health conditions can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Edmonton seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more.
Medication Reviews
At the annual checkup, discuss all the medications your loved one is taking. Make a list of every medication, supplement, and vitamin your loved one takes, including over-the-counter meds. The doctor can make sure your loved one isn’t taking anything that might have harmful side effects or interactions with other items on the list. If any of the medications are causing side effects, your loved one can discuss possible alternatives with the doctor.
Additional Screening Tests
In addition to basic checkups, it’s often recommended that people over the age of 65 get some additional screening tests done each year. A chest x-ray monitors the condition of the lungs, and a fecal occult blood test checks for colorectal cancer. Men need prostate exams, and women need mammograms and pap smears.
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