Age 64 plus? Eyeing Retirement?
It’s Screening Time.

One of the most important — and cost-effective — things you can do to ensure your good health at any age is getting screenings and vaccinations. As you face retirement, it’s especially important to know exactly where your health stands. Ruling out or uncovering any issues now gives you the best chance for many long, happy and healthy years ahead.

9 Vital Medical Checkpoints To Do Now (you may be in for a pleasant surprise!)

To get a clear picture of your overall health, take a little time to take care of yourself, with some critical health checkpoints.
In almost every case, the starting point is your primary care physician. He/she will either do the test/immunization for you or refer you to the proper specialist.

Don’t be too anxious about them. Many people surprise themselves, and their doctor, by discovering how healthy they actually are! So, here is your healthy “to-do” list:

1. CHOLESTEROL SCREENING

High cholesterol has been linked to heart disease,¹ the leading cause of death in the U.S.² Knowing your cholesterol levels allows you and your doctor to take necessary measures to lower your risk.

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2. CANCER SCREENINGS FOR MEN AND WOMEN

Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S.,³ and prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men.⁴ Early detection and treatment are critical. Everyone should ask their doctor about the fecal occult blood test, a colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy. And guys: Talk with your doctor about that prostate exam if you haven’t already. The good news is that an exam may not be necessary unless you have symptoms.

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3. ORAL CANCER AND GUM DISEASE SCREENING

There are many reasons to see your dentist regularly. One is that he/she is an expert in identifying oral cancers and gum disease. Gum disease may not sound scary, but it is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults⁵ and has also been linked to heart disease.⁶

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4. EYE EXAM

Regular eye examinations are important too, especially as you grow older. Even if you’ve never had any trouble with your vision, you should get screened for cataracts and glaucoma, which has no warning signs and is one of the leading causes of blindness.⁷

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5. DIABETES SCREENING

It’s estimated that almost 1 out of every 10 Americans has diabetes — and more than 27% don’t know they have it.⁸ Left untreated, diabetes can lead to blindness, kidney damage and loss of limbs, among other serious complications.⁹ Get checked soon.

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6. HEARING EXAM

You may not be aware of any trouble with your hearing, but by this point in life, almost everyone has suffered some type of hearing loss. Get screened now to find out where you stand, and avoid any serious issues.

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7. SCREENINGS FOR WOMEN

Brittle bones are most commonly associated with women.¹⁰ Osteoporosis screening and a bone mass measurement can help detect a silent problem and avoid life-changing breaks due to falls.¹¹ Also — a pelvic exam and mammogram are recommended every few years to screen for gynecological cancers as well as breast cancer. Find out your risk ASAP!

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8. FLU SHOT

Flu shots are particularly important as you turn age 65. According to the CDC, 50% – 70% of flu-related hospitalizations and 80% – 90% of flu-related deaths occur in people 65 years of age and older.¹² Besides, getting a flu shot doesn’t just protect you; it protects the friends and family around you.

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9. PNEUMOCOCCAL VACCINATION (65+)

Your risk for pneumococcal disease/pneumonia increases as you grow older.¹³ Fortunately, there is a vaccination and the CDC recommends it for all adults 65 years or older.

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If you’re feeling well and strong, congratulations! Now is the best time to get your screenings to confirm — and maintain — your good health. Almost every disease is easier to treat when found early; and many can be in an advanced stage before any symptoms appear. Don’t put it off: contact your doctor now about getting what can be life-saving screenings. You’ll be glad you did!

 
Sources:
1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 12, 13 – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov)
5, 6 – American Academy of Periodontology (perio.org)
6 – U.S. National Library of Medicine/National Institutes of Health (nlm.nih.gov)
8 – American Diabetes Association (diabetes.org)
9 – American Academy of Family Physicians (afar.org)
10, 11 – National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases/National Institutes of Health (niams.nih.org)