Routine Medical Tests for Seniors

As we age, we need to invest a significant amount of time looking after our health. With age comes wisdom, as well as, various health issues. There is a wide range of screenings and tests that can be considered in order to avoid various health issues which are common among seniors. Here are some of them.

Influenza Vaccination – Older adults are more likely to have complications from flu than younger ones. This is because your defense mechanism becomes weaker with age. So, in order to avoid all the problems with influenza get your flu shots every year, without fail.

Pneumonia Vaccination – According to the CDC the most amounts of deaths, from pneumonia, occur in the elderly. The CDC recommends, seniors over the age of 65, be immunized against pneumonia.

Colon Cancer Screening – This is malignant cancer that forms in the walls of the large intestine. This is a major cause of cancer-related death in the US. Screening should begin as early as 50 years of age to avoid any complications that may arise from this disease.

Breast Cancer Screening – This is the leading cause of cancer-related death, in women, in the US today. Screening for breast cancer should begin as early as 40 years of age. Women with cancer in the family should consider doing so earlier.

Prostate Cancer Screening – More and more older men are being affected by prostate cancer. This is cancer that occurs in prostate glands. Screening for prostate cancer annually should begin after 50.

Osteoporosis Screening – Osteoporosis is extremely common among seniors and occurs due to bone mass loss. Women, over 50, are highly likely of being affected by osteoporosis although men too can be affected by this problem. Women over the age of 50 should consider screening for osteoporosis to avoid any fractures and complications that may result in loss of independence.

Cholesterol Checks – Heart disease is more and more common in the younger generation, as well as, the older generation. You should consider a full cholesterol check once every six months to avoid the complications that arise from this problem.

There are many other routine medical tests you should consider after 55. Speak to your physician about the routine tests and get tested today. Leaving these routine medical tests for later can result in various complications.

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