Skin Cancer Screening
Since most cases of skin cancer are caused by over exposure of the sun’s UV rays, our risk increases as we get older. Seniors are at greater risk because they spend more time indoors during daylight hours due to physical limitations and changes in circadian rhythms. This means you’ll need to start wearing sunscreen whenever you’re outdoors. Also consider getting screened for skin cancer on a regular basis. The good news is that skin cancer is highly curable if caught early .
Vitamin D Test
Vitamin D is essential for many bodily functions, including the metabolism of calcium. Most seniors are deficient in vitamin D because they don’t spend enough time outdoors or use sunscreen when they do. Both of which block UV rays necessary for Vitamin D production. Taking a vitamin D supplement can help you meet your daily requirements but an even simpler way to get your fix is by getting tested to see if you’re deficiency is severe enough that you need medical intervention.
Lung Cancer Screening
If you’re a smoker, the chances of getting lung cancer have increased five fold in the last 20 years. Lung cancer is actually one of the deadliest cancers because it’s typically not diagnosed until it has reached an advanced stage. If caught early enough, however, treatment is very successful. That’s why seniors need to get screened for this type of cancer on a regular basis.
Prostate Check
As men get older, their prostate tends to grow larger. For some men, this can lead to problems such as difficulty urinating and an inability to have an erection. While not all enlarged prostates are cancerous, it’s still a good idea to get screened regularly for prostate cancer just to be on the safe side. The test is simple and painless and can be done in the doctor’s office .
Diabetes Screening
Diabetes is a serious disease that can lead to blindness, heart disease, kidney failure and even death if left untreated. It’s important for seniors to get screened for diabetes on a regular basis since the disease often doesn’t present any symptoms until it has progressed significantly. A simple blood test can determine if you have diabetes and, if you do, your doctor can help you develop a treatment plan .
Blood Pressure Check
Older adults are more likely to have high blood pressure which significantly increases the risk of heart disease. Untreated hypertension can also cause kidney damage and increase your chances of having a stroke. Blood pressure tends to rise as we age so it’s important to have your blood pressure checked regularly. To make sure it’s at a safe level. This test is usually performed at your doctor’s office and can be done using an inflatable cuff .
Alzheimer’s Disease Screening
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive form of dementia that affects millions of people each year. While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, early diagnosis and treatment can help slow down the progression of the disease. That’s why it’s important for seniors to get screened for Alzheimer’s on a regular basis. This test is non-invasive it involves a simple memory test and a physical exam.
Conclusion
By getting annual checkups and screenings, seniors can catch potential health problems before they become too serious. It’s important to remember that these tests are not just for diagnosing disease, they’re also for preventing it. So take care of yourself by taking advantage of the many health services available to you and enjoy a long, healthy life!