by Kevin K. Johnson, CSA
My wife and I serve on a number of Boards associated with seniors issues and successful aging. Although aging begins at birth, the issues regarding aging later in life are worthy of specific focus. I located information from research findings from the U.S.Department of Health & Human Services and the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force. The following recommendations should be considered.
DAILY STEPS TO GOOD HEALTH
- Be physically active
- Eat a healthy diet
- Be tobacco free
- Drink alcohol only in moderation
SCREENING TESTS & PREVENTATIVE MEDICINE
Heart & Vascular Diseases
- Aspirin to prevent heart attack: Men at risk ages 50 – 80
- Aspirin to prevent stroke: Women at risk ages 55 – 80
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Test: Once for men who have smoked ages 65-75
- Blood Pressure Screening Test: All men and women ages 50 and older, at least every 2 yrs
- Cholesterol Screening Test: All men and women ages 50 and older
- Diabetes Screening Test: Ages 50 and older with high blood pressure
Cancer
- Breast Cancer Screening (Mammogram): All women ages 50 and older, repeat every 1-2 yrs
- Breast Cancer Preventative Medicines: Women at risk ages 50-80
- Cervical Cancer Screening (Pap Test): All women ages 50-65, repeat every 2-3 years
- Colorectal Cancer Screening Test: All men and women ages 50 and older
Bone Disease
- Osteoporosis Screening (Bone Density Scan): Women at risk ages 60-65 and, all women ages 65 and older
Mental Health
- Depression Screening: All men and women — Ages 50 and older
Immunizations
- Flu Vaccine: All men and women ages 50 and older, repeat annually
- Other Vaccines: Check with your doctor regarding the following immunizations — Tetanus, shingles, pneumonia, whooping cough