Regular health checkups are important to most, if not all of us. These checkups reveal things we simply have to know as early as possible. This is especially true for seniors, as our health changes as we become older. Sometimes we simply have to slow down to accommodate the years, other times we have to take preventative steps to prevent an illness from progressing further. Either way, early detection is always the key to getting the right treatment. Annual checkups can save a person's life, so let's look at the ones the elderly should prioritize.
Chronic diseases checkup
People who either have a family history of chronic diseases are at a higher risk of developing the same as they age. In addition to this, people who already have an established history of chronic diseases should keep their health in check. This includes going to their chosen doctor at least once a year, depending on their condition and the progression of the disease. Also, those with chronic diseases like diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, coronary disease and others have to change their lifestyle to stop further progression of the health issues.
Blood pressure
At least 30% of the worldwide population has high blood pressure or hypertension. While people older than 65 are at the risk of developing hypertension due to age, younger people can blame their lifestyle. Excess weight, poor diet, lack of exercise, and lack of sleep, all contribute to developing hypertension. So, a routine blood pressure analysis can reveal whether a person is at the risk of developing other diseases like heart issues, stroke and hypertension.
General blood test analysis
A general blood test analysis can reveal blood sugar levels, cholesterol, vitamin levels and other markers that will point out if there’s a health issue. A blood test will reveal if you have normal or abnormal levels, both lower than expected or higher than expected for a person of a certain age. If any of the important indicators is abnormal, a person will be advised to take other tests to determine if they are at risk of disease. This is a routine checkup and people should check their blood tests every year.
Preventative medical checkup
A general blood test analysis is often part of a general preventative medical checkup. When you sign up for a routine general checkup you’ll receive a blood test analysis, urine analysis, physical examination, and weight and BMI measurement. The doctor will analyse your result, refer you to a specialist or provide further lifestyle improvements like more exercise, supplements and others.
Dental exam
As we age, our dental health will inevitably change. We might need to fix our smiles with dentures, dental implants, crowns and other preventive dental care. That’s why having a reliable and quality dentist by your side can be the key to resolving any dental health issues. We should have routine dental exams every six months, so this is actually something we can do twice a year. But, as we age, we should also get routine x-rays to detect and reverse permanent tooth decay.
Eye checkup
This is as routine as a blood test or going to the dentist, but it has to be prioritised especially as we age. Our eyesight will slowly start to change from the age of 40 and older. Some might need to start wearing glasses, while others especially those with diabetes should check for glaucoma and a cataract. Fortunately, these can be detected early so it’s important to have your vision checked once a year. These are treatable if detected early. Other vision problems like poor eyesight, can also be fixed by prescription glasses.
Going to the cardiologist
Since men are at a higher risk of developing a heart condition, they should also go to a cardiologist, especially if they have high blood pressure, high cholesterol habits and overall poor lifestyle habits. Smoking, issues with breathing and excess weight are also factors that can contribute to a higher risk of having heart issues. So, if you have any of these issues, consider going to a cardiologist for a checkup.
Pap smear and mammogram for women
Both pap smears and mammograms should be high on the list of priorities in any woman’s life. A pap smear can detect any changes related to cancer-causing cells. A mammogram is also a screening test for breast cancer and women above 40 should get an annual screening. Especially if women have a history of breast or cervical cancer in their family, these checkups should be done regularly, without any exception.
Prostate checkup for men
A prostate exam is a necessary exam for men, especially those that have reached their golden age. This type of exam should be done every year, once a man turns 40. Especially if prostate cancer runs in the family, it’s important to regularly check your prostate for any changes. Particularly if a person experiences discomfort when urinating, this is a clear sign of possible symptoms.
So, choose a doctor with whom you feel at ease and who can advise you on which of these to take based on your current health situation.
Written by Frank Robertson
About the Author
My name is Frank Robertson. I’m a writer. I choose my topics carefully and try to write about topics that can help my readers. Connect with me on Twitter.
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