Email
Print
FeedKeeping A Close Eye
The key to healthy aging? Get regular screening tests that can detect diseases and other health issues early, when they are easier to treat.
by Alexis Andrianopoulos Published April 9, 2010 at 08:52 AM
(page 1 of 2)
Aging. It’s inevitable. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the proportion of the U.S. population aged 65 and older will double to about 71 million older adults, or one in every five Americans, by 2030. Though a higher life expectancy is good news, the aging population will include “unprecedented demands on public health, aging services, and the nation’s health care system.”Health educators and practitioners here at home agree. “People are living longer and need to take care of themselves,” says Donna Goldsborough, a nurse educator and health and wellness instructor at Bayhealth Medical Center. “That’s why Bayhealth offers a free program, Steps to Healthy Aging, to anyone over the age of 50. Through this program, and others like it, we can prevent people from having to wonder what they are supposed to do to get and stay healthy for longer.”
In addition to eating a balanced diet, avoiding tobacco, maintaining a healthy weight and staying physically active, one of the main things you can do to stay healthy and prevent disease is get recommended screening tests.
“Through healthy eating, exercise, and changing lifestyles, we can guide people into better health,” says Peggy Diehl, community health nurse coordinator at Beebe Medical Center. “Screening tests are offered regularly so that we can keep a close eye on a patient’s health.” Regular screenings can detect diseases or problems early, when they are easier to treat.
During your next checkup, ask your doctor or nurse for their recommendations on how to stay healthy, no matter your age. The following list of screenings can be used as a guide. Your primary health provider will be able to recommend which preventive medical tests you need to stay healthy based on your age, health history, family history of disease, and other risk factors.
Body Mass Index Your Body Mass Index, or BMI, is a measure of your body fat based on height and weight. A BMI is used to screen for obesity, which is linked to several unhealthy conditions.
Cholesterol Because high cholesterol is one of the major risk factors for heart disease, have your cholesterol checked every year starting at age 35 (for men) or 45 (for women). A cholesterol screening is recommended for those younger who have diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of heart disease and for people who smoke.
Blood pressure High blood pressure (defined as 140/90 or higher) can increase your chances of stroke, heart disease and kidney disease. Have your blood pressure checked at least every two years.
Page 2: Keeping A Close Eye, continues...
