Health and Wellness of Seniors

Prevention and Health and Wellness of Seniors

Many seniors avoid going to the doctor unless they're feeling ill. They don't realize that there are a number of things a doctor can do to safeguard the health and wellness of seniors. Checking for problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even cancer can allow early treatment and ward off future problems.

Get Screened for Cancer

The incidence of most cancers increases greatly with age. Getting screened for cancer is an easy way to protect your health.

Colorectal Cancer

Most colon and rectal cancers arise from benign growths called polyps. Screening can catch polyps before they turn into cancer. Adults over 50 should be screened regularly.

Four options exist for screening:

• Fecal occult blood testing (FOBT), annually: This is a simple test which is performed at home. It involves taking samples from three consecutive bowel movements.
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy, every five years: A sigmoidoscope is a flexible tube with a tiny camera on the end, which a doctor can use to examine the inside of the rectum and the lower part of the colon. The test can be performed right in the doctor's office. Combining flexible sigmoidoscopy with annual FOBT can increase the chance of detecting a growth.
• Colonoscopy, every ten years: Colonoscopy uses a tiny camera to examine the entire colon. This procedure only takes about half-an-hour, but it does require anesthesia. Colonoscopy is an increasingly popular choice for screening.
• Double-Contrast Barium Enema (DCBE), every five years: DCBE involves drinking a special substance which makes the colon more clearly visible on an X-ray. DCBE is considered the least reliable screening method.

Breast Cancer

Women over 40 should have a mammogram every one to two years. A mammogram is a simple X-ray test designed to rule out breast cancer. It involves gently flattening the breast on an X-ray plate and then taking a quick radiograph. Although women do complain that it's uncomfortable, a mammogram takes only about 10 minutes and could save your life.

If you don't have insurance, visit the National Breast Cancer Early Detection Program and click on "Find a Local Program." Many areas offer free and low-cost mammograms to low-income women.

Prostate Cancer

The prostate is a small, walnut-shaped gland that is part of the male reproductive system. Screening for prostate cancer is controversial. A blood test is available, but it is not very reliable. Also, some prostate cancers grow so slowly that the value of treatment is uncertain. On the other hand, when the cancer is more aggressive, this disease can be fatal.

For now, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control recommends talking with your doctor to see if screening is right for you. Here are the two tests you might consider:

• PSA blood test: PSA stands for Prostate Specific Antigen. When there is an abnormal amount of PSA in the blood, prostate cancer may be present. However, it's possible to have a high PSA without cancer, or to have cancer without a high PSA.
• Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): DRE is a simple test performed at the doctor's office. The doctor inserts a gloved and lubricated finger into the rectum to feel the surface of the prostate.

Keep Blood Pressure in Check

High blood pressure doesn't usually have any physical symptoms. But if left unchecked, high blood pressure can have serious effects on the health and wellness of seniors, as well as younger adults. It can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and circulation problems. Adults should be checked for high blood pressure at least once every two years, more often if they have certain risk factors.

Watch That Cholesterol

High cholesterol raises the risk for heart disease. Cholesterol is a fat-like substance made naturally in the body. Some cholesterol is necessary for good health, but too much can lead to clogged arteries. Adults should have their cholesterol checked at the doctor's office at least once every five years.

Check for Diabetes

The risk for diabetes increases with age and with weight. It's an important consideration for the health and wellness of seniors. Adults usually get a type of diabetes called Type II. In Type II diabetes, the body becomes inefficient at absorbing sugars in the blood. Untreated diabetes can lead to heart attacks, blindness, circulation problems, kidney failure, limb amputation, and other serious complications.

The American Diabetes Association recommends testing for diabetes every three years in all adults over age 45, and particularly in people who are overweight. Testing should be done more often if a person has other risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a close relative with diabetes. The ADA also recommends testing in overweight, younger adults who have at least one other risk factor.

Conclusion

As you can see, many preventative tests and measures are available for promoting the health and wellness of seniors. Ensure that you are receiving the proper tests as frequently as needed. Should you switch doctors, be certain that your new physician is familiar with the tests that you have completed and which ones are needed, to avoid delays.