Have you seen your doctor yet this year? How about your optometrist or your dentist? You may think you don’t need to go to the doctor when you’re feeling good, but you might change your mind once you learn about the importance of preventative health screenings.
The Importance of Preventative Health Screenings
Good habits are a great thing to develop when you’re working towards better health. Regular exercise, consistent nutrition, and even getting the right amount of sleep every night can dramatically improve your physical health. These habits are a great start, but those aren’t the only health-based routines that matter when you’re a senior. Routine preventative screenings are essential to maintaining your health, even if you don’t think you have any health issues a doctor needs to know about. Let’s explore the importance of preventative health screenings.
Why Preventative Health Screenings Matter for Seniors
Preventative health screenings are essential if you want to stay well. These health screenings can help you avoid serious health issues and other complications in your golden years:
- Some health conditions cause symptoms that you might not necessarily recognize. Others don’t cause symptoms that can be detected without medical testing. For example, people with high blood sugar may not realize they have it until they are screened. Preventative health screenings can help you catch these issues before they cause severe damage to your body.
- Preventative health screenings can allow you and your doctor to discuss health issues that are sometimes overlooked in regular medical appointments. It’s a chance to ask questions, learn more about a condition, and potentially get the help you need.
- Preventative health screenings can help you access treatment that prevents a health issue from reoccurring or worsening. Doctors can provide vaccines, other medical interventions, and helpful advice.
What Preventative Health Screenings Do I Need?
Because every senior’s health is different, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about what preventative health screenings they recommend for a patient like you. Factors like family history and overall health can make a difference. However, there are also some preventative health screenings that seniors should regularly get, regardless of other recommendations:
- Eye exams. Because your eye health is likely to change as you grow older, seeing your optometrist regularly becomes even more critical. Seniors should get their eyes examined every two years unless their optometrist recommends more frequent examinations.
- Hearing tests. Your hearing ability will also change as you age, and you may need a hearing aid or another form of support. A hearing screening can catch issues before they affect your life and connect you to the help you need.
- Cancer screenings. Certain kinds of cancers become more likely as we age, such as breast and prostate cancer. Early detection is essential to effective treatment if you develop one of these conditions.
- Blood pressure screenings. As a demographic, seniors are at a higher risk of hypertension than other groups. Seniors should check their blood pressure regularly, especially if other risk factors are present.
- Vaccination checks. Vaccinations are the best way to avoid many illnesses that can lead to complications for seniors, such as the flu. Talk to your doctor about what vaccinations you need and when to schedule them.
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Now that you know the importance of preventative health screenings, it’s time to put your health first. Talk to your doctor about getting a preventative health screening today!
Are you looking for a community that puts senior health and well-being first? At The Gables on Pelham, we’re happy to provide our residents with various tools and services to assist them in making the most of life. With our warm, welcoming environment and full community calendar, you’ll surely find plenty of friends and opportunities for activity and wellness. To learn more, please schedule a tour or give us a call at 864-713-1377.