What’s In There? A closer look inside the body helps find small problems before they become big – part 3 of 4.
Preventative health screenings are a critical component to staying healthy. “The ultimate goal for older adults is to maintain function and independence,” says Dr. Laura Morton, associate professor of Geriatric Medicine at the University of Louisville. Here are some more preventative screenings to consider with your doctor.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening (Men)
Men who have smoked in their lifetime have an increased risk of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The aorta is the main blood vessel that transports blood from the heart to the abdomen and beyond. A weakened aorta wall in the abdomen can create a bulge, also called an aneurysm. A one-time ultrasound screening of the abdomen is recommended for men at age 65 who have a history of smoking to assess if an aneurysm is present.
Cervical Cancer Screening (Women)
Cervical cancer, which often has no symptoms in the early stages, develops when cervical cells develop a mutation in the cell DNA. Early detection through screening is an important step to catching and treating cervical cancer. There are two screening tests for cervical cancer, the Pap Test and the HPV test. The CDC recommends that women ages 30-65 should receive one or both screenings. Your doctor will advise which screenings you need. Both screenings can be done in the doctor’s office and check for abnormal cell growth. Women over 65, who have had several negative screenings, may not be required to continue this screening.
Mammogram (Women)
A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray of the breast which can lead to early detection of breast cancer. Treatment at the early stage of breast cancer has the greatest likelihood of treating the cancer successfully. Mammogram results may prompt your doctor to order additional screening, such as a breast ultrasound. The American Cancer Society recommends that all women ages 40-55 have a mammogram each year. Women ages 55-69 should have a mammogram every 1-2 years. Women over the age of 70 should continue screening, if they remain in good health.
Also To Consider For Both Men And Women:
Mental Health Screening
Mental health is just as important as physical health and should be screened yearly. Typically, a mental health screen is conducted as part of an annual wellness exam with your primary care physician. The assessment is usually a series of questions asked by your doctor. It is important to answer these questions honestly. “In the aging population, and the social isolation that we have faced through the pandemic, screening for mental health is so important,” says Dr. Morton.
Vision Screening
Eye exams are recommended yearly for anyone 65 or older. During the exam, the doctor will check for age-related eye diseases, glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. Eye exams can also expose other health issues throughout the body such as stroke, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
By Tami Pyles
P.S. In case you missed other health screening suggestions, go here to find out more.
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