Latest news with #preventivecare
Health Line
5 days ago
- General
- Health Line
When Should You Have a Heart Health Checkup?
An important part of preventive healthcare, some heart health screening tests may start around age 20. Other tests may not be needed until you are older. Routine heart health screenings are an important part of preventive healthcare for adults. Some heart health screening tests should begin as early as age 20, recommends the American Heart Association (AHA). Other heart health screenings may begin later in life. Your doctor can help you learn which screenings you should get and how often you should get them. Read on to learn about the steps you can take to monitor your heart health. When should you get a heart checkup? Even if you have no history of heart disease, the AHA recommends the following schedule for heart health screenings: Weight and BMI: during regular annual checkups Blood pressure tests: at least once every 2 years, starting by age 20 Blood cholesterol tests: at least once every 4 to 6 years, starting by age 20 Blood glucose tests: at least once every 3 years, typically starting at age 40 to 45 They may also order high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) testing. This test measures C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation or infection that's associated with increased risk of heart attack. If you have certain risk factors for heart disease or a strong family history, your doctor might encourage you to start these screenings at a younger age than usual. For example, your doctor may recommend earlier or more frequent screening if you have: high blood pressure, blood cholesterol, or blood sugar a heart condition, such as atrial fibrillation a family history of heart disease overweight or obesity prediabetes or diabetes certain lifestyle factors, like smoking tobacco had complications during pregnancy, such as high blood pressure, preeclampsia, or gestational diabetes Ask your doctor how often you should undergo heart health screenings, based on your medical history and health needs. What to expect A routine heart health checkup doesn't typically involve complicated tests. During a heart health checkup, your doctor will talk to you about how you're feeling and offer you screening tests to assess your cardiovascular health and risk factors. Your cardiovascular system includes your heart and blood vessels. As part of the checkup, they'll look for any signs of heart disease and consider your risk for developing heart disease in the future. To monitor the health of your heart, your doctor should routinely: assess your weight and BMI measure your blood pressure order blood tests to check your cholesterol and blood sugar levels ask about your diet, physical activity, and smoking history ask about your personal and family medical history ask whether you've noticed any changes in your health If the results of your screening tests show signs of heart disease or a high risk of developing heart disease, your doctor may order additional tests. Additional heart health tests If your doctor thinks you might have heart disease, they may order one of more of the following tests to assess your heart health: Electrocardiography (ECG, EKG): Small, sticky electrodes are applied to your chest and attached to a special machine, known an ECG machine. This machine records your heart's electrical activity and provides information about your heart rate and rhythm. Exercise cardiac stress test: Electrodes are applied to your chest and attached to an ECG machine. Then you're asked to walk or run on a treadmill, or pedal on a stationary bike, while a healthcare professional assesses your heart's response to physical stress. Echocardiography: A healthcare professional uses an ultrasound machine to create moving images of your heart to see if you have problems with the pumping function of your heart, and to assess your heart valves. Sometimes, they may do this before and after you've exercised or taken certain medications to learn how your heart responds to stress. Nuclear stress test: A small amount of radioactive dye is injected into your bloodstream, where it travels to your heart. A healthcare professional uses an imaging machine to take pictures while you're at rest and after exercise to learn how blood is flowing through your heart. Cardiac CT scan for calcium scoring: You're positioned under a CT scanner with electrodes attached to your chest to record your heart's electrical activity. A healthcare professional uses the CT scanner to create images of your heart and check for plaque buildup in your coronary arteries. Coronary CT angiography (CTA): Similar to the test above, you lie under a CT scanner with electrodes attached to your chest so a healthcare professional can record your heart's activity and create pictures of your heart based on the CT scan's images. A contrast dye is injected into your bloodstream to make it easier for them to see plaque buildup in your coronary arteries. Coronary catheter angiography: A small tube, or catheter, is inserted into your groin or arm and threaded through an artery to your heart. Contrast dye is injected through the catheter while a healthcare professional takes X-ray pictures of your heart, allowing them to see if your coronary arteries are narrowed or blocked. If you receive a diagnosis of heart disease, your doctor may recommend a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, or other treatments to manage it. How much do heart checkups cost? You may be able to access heart health screening tests at low or no cost, depending on where you live and your insurance coverage. If you don't have health insurance, federal health centers offer many essential health services regardless of ability to pay. You can see if there's a qualified health center near you using their search tool. Some pharmacies also offer free heart health screenings in February, National Heart Health Month. If you have health insurance, you may have no cost for basic heart checkup tests. Under the Affordable Care Act, many health insurance plans are required to cover the cost of certain preventive health screenings with no copayment, coinsurance, or deductible fee. Depending on your health insurance coverage, age, and health history, you may be able to get blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and blood sugar screenings for free. If your doctor orders additional tests to evaluate your heart health, you may have charges for those tests. Some or all of the cost of the tests may be covered by your health insurance. If you have health insurance, contact your insurance provider to learn if you're eligible for free heart health screenings. Ask them how much specific tests will cost. How to check your heart health at home Depending on your health history, your doctor might encourage you to monitor your own heart health and risk factors between checkups. For example, they might advise you to monitor one or more of the following: your body weight or BMI, using a scale your blood pressure, using a home blood pressure monitor your blood sugar levels, using a glucose monitor your heart rate and rhythm, using a wearable fitness tracker, smartwatch, or other device If your doctor wants to assess your heart's electrical activity over the course of multiple hours or days, they might ask you to wear a Holter monitor. A Holter monitor is a small battery-operated device that functions as a portable ECG machine. Your doctor may ask you to wear it for 24 to 48 hours before returning the monitor to them. Your doctor may also ask you keep track of your fitness activities, diet, or other lifestyle factors that might affect your heart health. Similarly, they may ask you to log any symptoms of heart disease that you develop. Tips for maintaining heart health To help lower your risk for heart disease, it's important to practice a healthy lifestyle. For example: Avoid smoking tobacco. Get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. Eat a wide variety of nutrient-rich foods, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit your consumption of trans fat, saturated fat, and sugar-sweetened foods and drinks. Take steps to manage your weight. Follow your doctor's recommended treatment plan if you've received a diagnosis of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, prediabetes, diabetes, or other health conditions. Getting routine heart health screenings is also important for maintaining your heart health. These screenings can help your doctor identify potential problems early so you can get the treatment you need. The takeaway To monitor your heart health, your doctor may regularly check your: weight blood pressure blood cholesterol blood sugar They will also ask you about your medical history and lifestyle habits, which can affect your chances of developing heart disease. Many other tests are also available to evaluate your heart's function and health, if your doctor thinks you might have developed heart disease.
Medscape
28-05-2025
- General
- Medscape
Language Barriers Affect Kids' Access to Preventive Care
A lower proportion of children from non–English-speaking households received preventive medical care visits than their English-speaking peers. METHODOLOGY: Researchers conducted a retrospective analysis of data from a nationally representative survey in the United States in 2022, focusing on the use of preventive care use by children. The main exposure was the primary language spoken at home, reported on a paper, web, telephone, or email-based questionnaire; households were categorized on the basis of language: English, Spanish, and non–English and non–Spanish (including Chinese, Russian, Vietnamese, Hindi, Tagalog, Portuguese, and French). A total of 72,678,635 weighted surveys for children aged 1-17 years (51.2% boys) were included, comprising 85% children from English-speaking, 10.1% from Spanish-speaking, and 5% from non–English, non–Spanish-speaking households. Primary outcome measures were preventive medical and dental care visits, based on how often a child saw a healthcare professional for a preventive checkup and whether they visited a dentist for preventive care in the past year. The receipt of care in a medical home was also evaluated on the basis of components from 16 survey items, such as having a personal doctor, a usual source of sick care, and family-centered care. TAKEAWAY: The adjusted proportion of children who received preventive care visits was lower in Spanish-speaking (0.69; 95% CI, 0.65-0.73) and non–English, non–Spanish-speaking (0.63; 95% CI, 0.58-0.68) households than in English-speaking households. No significant difference was noted in the proportion of preventive dental visits between children from Spanish-speaking and English-speaking households, but non–English, non–Spanish-speaking households had a lower adjusted proportion of dental visits than English-speaking households (0.60; 95% CI, 0.54-0.65 vs 0.69; 95% CI, 0.66-0.71). Children from Spanish-speaking and non–English, non–Spanish-speaking households were less likely to receive care in a medical home than those from English-speaking households (adjusted proportion, 0.18 and 0.21 vs 0.33). No significant difference in emergency department visits and hospitalizations over the past 12 months was found between non–English and English-speaking groups after adjustment. IN PRACTICE: 'These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to improve preventive care for children from non–English-speaking households, ensuring equitable health care for all,' the authors wrote. SOURCE: This study was led by Prabi Rajbhandari, MD, of the Rebecca D. Considine Research Institute at the Akron Children's Hospital in Akron, Ohio. It was published online on May 22, 2025, in Pediatrics . LIMITATIONS: Researchers relied on the primary language spoken at home as a proxy of language barriers. Using telephone interpreters for non–English, non–Spanish-speaking households may have affected data interpretation quality. Grouping all non–English, non–Spanish languages together limited the analysis of specific languages. DISCLOSURES: No funding was received for this study. One author disclosed receiving a foundation grant from Akron Children's Hospital for studying language access and health literacy among non-English patients and families.
Health Line
23-05-2025
- Health
- Health Line
Letter from the Editor: Habits for a Healthy Heart
February is American Heart Health Month, but caring for your heart is important any time of year. That's why, in addition to maintaining our existing heart health articles with updates to include new research, we're also bringing new content your way to share accessible tips for things you can do today or any day to show your heart some love. Small changes for big impact Preventive care can help reduce long-term healthcare costs. And maintaining health in midlife can have long-term positive effects on health status later in life, too. While there's always the possibility that you may develop conditions you can't prevent, like cancer or Alzheimer's disease, and genetics also play a role in overall health, there are steps you can take to improve your general well-being. Many small or micro lifestyle changes have the potential to have a big impact on your heart health. You may be familiar with some, like increased exercise or increased vegetable intake. Even improvements to oral hygiene may make a difference. A year of heart-healthy habits I've been fortunate to have mostly good health, but as I get older, I'm more aware of my own mortality, especially after losing several family members over the past 3 years. Developing healthy habits, including ones that support heart health, is one action I can take to help increase the chances that I'll be here long enough to witness important moments in my children's lives. This year, I'm focusing on small changes that I can manage on top of my busy life as a working mom to two young, energetic boys. I don't have a lot of time in my day for long workouts, and by the time I get home, I'm too tired to make involved dinners. Stress is a regular part of my life, and sleep is something that has eluded me since I was pregnant with my first child. He's 9 years old and counting. Instead of taking an all-or-nothing approach, I'm embracing the idea that any positive change is better than no change. If you're also looking for ways to adopt healthier habits but have found big changes hard to make or maintain, I encourage you to join me and take a similar approach, assuming you have the OK from your doctor.
Medscape
23-05-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Save the USPSTF
Hi, everyone. I'm Dr Kenny Lin. I am a family physician and associate director of the Lancaster General Hospital Family Medicine Residency, and I blog at Common Sense Family Doctor . Imagine arriving at the office at the start of a full day, only to discover that someone has taken away your stethoscope, you no longer have access to your electronic health record or online clinical references, your medical assistant was terminated overnight without your consent, and your patients can no longer hear you. Welcome to the real-life nightmare that the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) is facing. Earlier this year, the Trump administration fired about half of the employees at the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and planned a restructuring of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that would eliminate the agency and fold it into a new Office of Strategy. In April, 45 former Task Force chairs, members, and scientific directors sent an extraordinary letter to the Secretary of HHS, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr, warning that these actions would effectively bring the USPSTF's work to a halt. A few weeks later, former USPSTF chair Alex Krist, MD, MPH, and colleagues echoed this message in a JAMA viewpoint. Although primary care clinicians use the USPSTF's preventive care recommendations every day, most are unaware of the extensive supporting cast that makes the development of these recommendations possible. Since the 1990s, Congress has tasked AHRQ with convening the USPSTF, protecting its scientific independence, providing personnel and funding to maintain and update more than 140 recommendations on 90 clinical topics, and supporting its communications with medical organizations and the public. I can testify from personal experience that all these functions are essential to creating and disseminating evidence-based guidelines for primary care; as a young family physician working at the AHRQ, I staffed the USPSTF from 2006 to 2010. The uncertain future of AHRQ is not the only threat to the Task Force's continued existence. Many physicians do not realize that the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) provision that mandates no-cost coverage of the USPSTF's recommended services is currently at risk. On April 21, 2025, the Supreme Court heard arguments regarding the appeal of a 2022 lawsuit against the federal government by plaintiffs who objected, for religious reasons, to paying for medications for HIV preexposure prophylaxis. The plaintiffs asserted that the ACA's mandate requiring insurers to cover preventive services with A or B grades is unconstitutional because USPSTF members are not nominated by the President or confirmed by the Senate; traditionally, members have been selected by the AHRQ Director and approved by the HHS Secretary. The preventive services at risk of losing coverage include, but are not limited to, screenings for breast cancer, colorectal cancer, perinatal depression, cervical cancer, intimate partner violence, lung cancer, HIV, and hepatitis B and C. This ruling would also affect no-cost coverage for medications to reduce breast cancer risk and statin use to prevent cardiovascular disease. Although the legal issues are arcane and complex, a ruling against the government could dissolve the USPSTF and jeopardize care for millions of Americans. A recent study found that 1 in 3 persons and nearly half of women received no-cost preventive services between 2018 to 2022 as a result of the ACA mandate. Researchers also conducted a modeling study to simulate the potential impact of this court ruling, and they found that losing access to no-cost colorectal cancer screenings could increase colorectal cancer incidence by 5.1% and colorectal cancer mortality by 9.1%. Furthermore, decreased screening participation could also lead to increased long-term health care costs, given increased cancer incidence and more intensive care requirements due to delayed diagnoses. The USPSTF's judgments are not perfect. On occasion, I have disagreed with its assessments, and I suspect that most family physicians have questioned a new or updated recommendation now and then. But it is clear that if the AHRQ is eliminated and its functions are not replaced, or if the Supreme Court strikes down the ACA's mandate and Congress does not act to preserve the USPSTF, we cannot ensure that evidence-based preventive care will remain affordable for everyone. In sum, our patients will suffer. Many physicians and health care professionals have shied away from engaging in policy debates regarding the size and structure of government in general and health agencies in particular. But when is it time to speak up? Dr Steven Woolf, a family physician and former USPSTF member, recently argued, 'To condone policies that the [medical] profession knows will compromise health — or to remain silent and look away — is to be complicit in putting population health at risk,' and 'We must draw the line when the science is clear that a policy will increase the risk of disease, complications, or premature death.' This is that time. I encourage you to contact your Congressional representatives to express your support for this vital organization and check if your state has enacted legislation to adopt the ACA's preventive services mandate into their state insurance code. Your voice matters. By advocating for the USPSTF, you are helping to protect health recommendations that benefit all Americans. Together, we can ensure that the work of the USPSTF continues to thrive and serve the health needs of our patients and communities.
Entrepreneur
12-05-2025
- Health
- Entrepreneur
The Importance of Regular Checkups and Preventive Care in Retirement: Emphasizing Proactive Healthcare
Often, retirement is viewed as a time of relaxation. For many, that could mean long walks, quiet mornings, and finally pursuing hobbies. Here's the thing, though. As much as life... This story originally appeared on Due Often, retirement is viewed as a time of relaxation. For many, that could mean long walks, quiet mornings, and finally pursuing hobbies. Here's the thing, though. As much as life slows down, healthcare needs don't. In fact, sometimes, they become even more urgent. That's why regular checkups and preventive care are vital in retirement. During retirement, proactive health care can profoundly affect your quality of life. The goal isn't just to live longer; it's to remain active, independent, and healthy so that you can enjoy the years you've worked so hard for. As such, let's examine why preventive healthcare matters and how it can work for you. Why Proactive Healthcare is Critical in Retirement As the years pass, our bodies naturally undergo subtle changes. As a result, we are more likely to develop chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, osteoporosis, and some types of cancer. Fortunately, many of these conditions can be caught early, managed effectively, or even prevented altogether with regular health screenings and checkups. However, Most of us put off or overlook our annual doctor's appointments when our to-do lists are overflowing. But that's no longer an excuse. Retirement allows us to change our priorities and prioritize our health. In other words, now is the time to prepare for your golden years by investing in the foundation needed. So by maintaining your health now, you'll be able to actively participate in all those dreams you've nurtured in retirement, making them more vibrant and fulfilling. Unpacking the Elements of Proactive Preventive Care The importance of preventive care goes beyond the once-a-year physical. It is a holistic approach to preventing health problems. Think of it as putting together a comprehensive health puzzle, where each piece adds to your overall health. There are often several key pieces to this puzzle, including; Annual wellness visits. There is more to these comprehensive appointments than just checking vital signs. During these sessions, you can discuss your lifestyle and any concerns, speak with your doctor about your medical history, and create a personalized health plan together. There is more to these comprehensive appointments than just checking vital signs. During these sessions, you can discuss your lifestyle and any concerns, speak with your doctor about your medical history, and create a personalized health plan together. Essential screenings. Regular screenings can detect high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and high blood sugar early. Often, these tests reveal silent issues that can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. Regular screenings can detect high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and high blood sugar early. Often, these tests reveal silent issues that can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. Age-appropriate cancer screenings. Depending on your age, gender, and risk factors, screenings like mammograms, colonoscopies, prostate exams, and skin checks can help detect cancer at its earliest, most treatable stage. Depending on your age, gender, and risk factors, screenings like mammograms, colonoscopies, prostate exams, and skin checks can help detect cancer at its earliest, most treatable stage. Essential vaccinations. By staying up-to-date on vaccinations, such as flu shots, shingles vaccines, and pneumonia vaccines, you reduce your risk of contracting illnesses that can be particularly debilitating later in life. By staying up-to-date on vaccinations, such as flu shots, shingles vaccines, and pneumonia vaccines, you reduce your risk of contracting illnesses that can be particularly debilitating later in life. Maintaining sensory health. Keeping your vision and hearing in good condition is essential for maintaining independence and quality of life. Keeping your vision and hearing in good condition is essential for maintaining independence and quality of life. Assessing bone health. A bone density test can detect osteoporosis early, so interventions can be implemented to prevent fractures and maintain mobility. A bone density test can detect osteoporosis early, so interventions can be implemented to prevent fractures and maintain mobility. Prioritizing mental well-being. As important as physical exams, mental health screenings are essential to prevent conditions like depression and cognitive decline. Life changes can be significant in retirement, and addressing mental health proactively can contribute to overall happiness and well-being. Each of these elements can help you gain valuable insight into your health status and identify potential risks before they become serious. The Power of the Routine Checkup: Your Health Safety Net You might feel fantastic, energetic, and ready to tackle retirement's adventures. However, that feeling of well-being doesn't always reflect the intricate workings of your body. High blood pressure, for example, may not exhibit symptoms at first, but it silently damages your heart over time. A regular checkup is a vital safety net, catching silent threats before they cause serious damage. At a typical checkup, your dedicated healthcare provider acts as your health detective, carefully examining: Tracking vital signs. In terms of your overall cardiovascular health, monitoring changes in weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels is crucial. In terms of your overall cardiovascular health, monitoring changes in weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels is crucial. Medication review. By regularly reviewing your medications, you can ensure their continued effectiveness, identify any potential side effects, and prevent harmful interactions. By regularly reviewing your medications, you can ensure their continued effectiveness, identify any potential side effects, and prevent harmful interactions. Risk assessment. Your doctor can assess your risk of developing chronic conditions, in addition to your family history and lifestyle. Your doctor can assess your risk of developing chronic conditions, in addition to your family history and lifestyle. Open dialogue. If you have noticed any changes in your diet, sleep patterns, or energy levels, or if you have any new aches or pains, these appointments are a suitable place to discuss them. As a result of these routine visits, you can detect deviations or unusual patterns early on, when interventions are most likely effective. Beyond the Physical: Nurturing Mental and Emotional Well-being In addition to staving off physical ailments, proactive healthcare has several other benefits. Retirement is a significant transition in life, and it has many advantages and challenges. It is common for people to suffer from loneliness, isolation, or even subtle indications of depression. As part of your regular checkups, your healthcare provider can screen for and address these mental and emotional aspects of your well-being, offering support and resources as necessary. It also provides an invaluable sense of peace of mind to build a strong and trusting relationship with a consistent healthcare provider. Knowing that a knowledgeable professional is actively monitoring your health allows you to relax, enjoy retirement, and live fully. Proactive vs. Reactive: The Wisdom of Early Action It's common for many of us to have a 'reactive' approach to healthcare. Generally, we seek medical attention only when something is visibly or palpably wrong. However, it is possible that a health condition may already be advanced by the time noticeable symptoms appear, making management more difficult. A proactive approach completely flips the script. Rather than waiting for a problem to arise, prevention and early detection are the focus. As a result of this forward-looking approach; Lower long-term medical costs. Early detection can often reduce the need for expensive and invasive treatments. For example, providing obesity reduction services and reducing obesity-related diseases could lower premiums by 0.05 to 0.1 percent. Early detection can often reduce the need for expensive and invasive treatments. For example, providing obesity reduction services and reducing obesity-related diseases could lower premiums by 0.05 to 0.1 percent. Reduced emergency visits and hospitalizations. By managing conditions proactively, acute episodes can be prevented. By managing conditions proactively, acute episodes can be prevented. Improved management of existing conditions. Regular monitoring and adjustment to treatment plans will enable chronic illnesses to be controlled more effectively. Screening for cancer and early treatment could, for example, reduce the cancer death rate by 29 percent. Regular monitoring and adjustment to treatment plans will enable chronic illnesses to be controlled more effectively. Screening for cancer and early treatment could, for example, reduce the cancer death rate by 29 percent. Enhanced quality of life. The longer you live, the more active, independent, and fulfilling your retirement will be. Consider it like fixing a small leak in your home's foundation. The sooner you deal with it, the less likely you will suffer a costly and disruptive flood. Overcoming Common Hurdles to Preventive Care Despite retirement's gift of time, specific barriers can still prevent individuals from prioritizing preventive care, such as; 'I feel fine. Why bother?' This is often a misconception. Many serious health issues develop silently. Regular checkups aren't just about dealing with illnesses; they're also about staying healthy. This is often a misconception. Many serious health issues develop silently. Regular checkups aren't just about dealing with illnesses; they're also about staying healthy. 'It's too expensive.' For those on Medicare, most preventive services, such as screenings, wellness visits, and many vaccines, are covered at little to no cost. You must also understand the specific benefits of your insurance plan. Additionally, you can purchase more affordable health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace under the Affordable Care Act. For those on Medicare, most preventive services, such as screenings, wellness visits, and many vaccines, are covered at little to no cost. You must also understand the specific benefits of your insurance plan. Additionally, you can purchase more affordable health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace under the Affordable Care Act. 'I don't know where to start.' Establish a relationship with a primary care provider. They can help you navigate the recommended screenings and services based on your individual needs. Establish a relationship with a primary care provider. They can help you navigate the recommended screenings and services based on your individual needs. 'Doctors just rush through everything.' It is important for you to feel heard and understood. Whenever you have concerns about the care you receive, don't hesitate to seek out a provider who will listen to you. Your Personal Health Checklist: Your Roadmap to Well-being It can sometimes feel overwhelming to navigate the healthcare landscape, especially as our needs change. However, it doesn't have to be overwhelming. Think of managing your health like tending a garden — consistent care yields the best results. A simple checklist can be essential for staying on track in your healthcare journey. As such, consider including the following; Schedule annual wellness visits. You should never miss a routine check-up as part of your preventive care plan. Routine check-ups identify possible risks early and allow you to build a strong relationship with your primary care physician. Get recommended screenings (ask your doctor what applies to you). Certain conditions can be detected earlier, when they are more treatable, through screenings. These may include mammograms, colonoscopies, and bone density scans. Depending on your age, gender, and health history, your doctor may recommend different screenings. Stay up to date on vaccines. The importance of immunizations extends beyond childhood. Staying current on recommended vaccines, such as influenza, pneumonia, and shingles, is important for maintaining good health as you age. Track your medications and discuss any side effects. You should maintain an accurate list of all your medications, including doses and frequency, for your safety and effective communication with your healthcare providers. If you have any concerns or side effects, report them immediately. Stay active and eat well. Maintaining good health requires these lifestyle pillars at any age. Regular physical activity and eating a balanced, nutritious diet can significantly increase energy levels, prevent diseases, and improve overall health. Prioritize sleep and mental health. The importance of adequate sleep and mental well-being cannot be overstated. Be sure to get a good night's sleep and engage in activities that benefit your emotional and mental health. If you need mental health support, do not hesitate to seek it. Speak up if something doesn't feel right. Ultimately, you are the expert on your own body. If you notice any new or concerning symptoms, speak to your doctor immediately. Early detection and intervention can make a significant difference. To streamline your healthcare management, consider keeping a small notebook or a digital record. You can use it to keep track of appointment dates, test results, and any questions that arise between visits. By following this organized approach, you can actively participate in your healthcare decisions. Building a Healthcare Team You Trust During retirement, your healthcare needs may become more specialized. As part of your healthcare team, you may have access to a variety of specialists, including; Cardiologists Endocrinologists Physical therapists Audiologists Nutritionists Mental health professionals Seamless coordination is crucial for effective care when working with a larger team. As such, provide all your providers with an overview of your overall health and the treatment you are receiving. If you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to ask questions, seek clarification, or express them to anyone on your team. To ensure the best possible outcomes, remember that you are the most important member of your healthcare team. Final Thoughts: Investing in Your Future Self The value of preventive care goes beyond a routine — it's an investment in your independence, energy, and peace of mind. Being proactive gives you the best chance of enjoying your retirement as you imagined: full of movement, connection, and meaning. Regarding your health, there's no downside to staying on top of things. In contrast to many other things in life, this one has only three steps: show up, check in, and stay alert. From there, everything else follows. FAQs What are regular checkups and preventive care? Regular checkups. Even when you feel well, you should visit your primary care physician and other specialists (e.g., dentist, ophthalmologist). In addition to physical examinations, they often include discussions about your health history, lifestyle, and routine screenings. Even when you feel well, you should visit your primary care physician and other specialists (e.g., dentist, ophthalmologist). In addition to physical examinations, they often include discussions about your health history, lifestyle, and routine screenings. Preventive care refers to proactive measures taken to prevent illness or detect it early when it can be treated more easily. This includes vaccinations, screenings (such as mammograms and colonoscopies), lifestyle counseling (such as diet, exercise, and tobacco cessation), and managing chronic conditions. Why are regular checkups and preventive care essential in retirement? Increased risk of age-related conditions. As we age, chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and osteoporosis become more prevalent. These conditions can be detected early with regular checkups. As we age, chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and osteoporosis become more prevalent. These conditions can be detected early with regular checkups. Early detection improves outcomes. In many cases, serious illnesses are more treatable in their early stages. Preventive screenings can identify problems before symptoms even appear, improving treatment outcomes and health outcomes. In many cases, serious illnesses are more treatable in their early stages. Preventive screenings can identify problems before symptoms even appear, improving treatment outcomes and health outcomes. Managing existing chronic conditions. Regular checkups allow your doctor to monitor chronic conditions, adjust treatment plans, and prevent complications. Regular checkups allow your doctor to monitor chronic conditions, adjust treatment plans, and prevent complications. Maintaining functional independence. By staying healthy, you can maintain independence, participate in activities you enjoy, and avoid daily limitations. By staying healthy, you can maintain independence, participate in activities you enjoy, and avoid daily limitations. Reducing healthcare costs in the long run. Even though checkups and screenings may cost, early detection and prevention can often avoid the need for more costly and intensive treatments in the future. Even though checkups and screenings may cost, early detection and prevention can often avoid the need for more costly and intensive treatments in the future. Improving overall well-being. Physical wellness contributes significantly to mental and emotional well-being, so you can enjoy retirement more fully. How often should I have regular checkups in retirement? You should get regular checkups depending on your age, health status, and risk factors. In general, it's a good idea to; See your primary care physician annually. This will allow you to discuss a general health assessment, medication review, and any new concerns. This will allow you to discuss a general health assessment, medication review, and any new concerns. Follow your doctor's recommendations for specific screenings. Depending on your age, sex, family history, and risk factors, you may or may not be at risk. Examples include mammograms, colonoscopies, prostate exams, bone density scans, and eye exams. Depending on your age, sex, family history, and risk factors, you may or may not be at risk. Examples include mammograms, colonoscopies, prostate exams, bone density scans, and eye exams. Continue regular dental checkups (usually every six months). Good oral health is important for overall health. Good oral health is important for overall health. See specialists as recommended. If you have existing medical conditions, you should schedule appointments with specialists such as cardiologists and endocrinologists according to the recommended schedule. What types of preventive screenings are typically recommended for retirees? Retirees may benefit from the following preventive screenings; Cancer screenings. In addition to mammograms (for breast cancer), colonoscopies (for colorectal cancer), prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests (for prostate cancer), and lung cancer screenings (for people at high risk), skin exams are also recommended. In addition to mammograms (for breast cancer), colonoscopies (for colorectal cancer), prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests (for prostate cancer), and lung cancer screenings (for people at high risk), skin exams are also recommended. Cardiovascular screenings. Checking blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and electrocardiograms (ECG or EKG). Checking blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and electrocardiograms (ECG or EKG). Metabolic screenings. A blood glucose test (for diabetes). A blood glucose test (for diabetes). Bone health screenings. A bone density scan (DEXA) can detect osteoporosis. A bone density scan (DEXA) can detect osteoporosis. Vision and hearing tests. It is essential to get regular eye exams to check for glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts and hearing tests to detect hearing loss. It is essential to get regular eye exams to check for glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts and hearing tests to detect hearing loss. Vaccinations. Flu shots, pneumococcal vaccines, shingles vaccines, and tetanus boosters should be administered annually. How can I prepare for my regular checkup? If you have any symptoms or concerns, make a list of them. You should bring a list of all your medications, along with the dosages and how often you take them. If your health has changed since your last appointment, note it. Make a list of questions you would like to ask your doctor. Don't forget to bring your insurance information. If you have memory issues or multiple concerns, consider bringing a family member or friend to provide support. What are the costs associated with regular checkups and preventive care in retirement? Medicare Part B typically covers many preventive services, including wellness visits, cancer screenings, diabetes screenings, and vaccinations. However, depending on your Medicare plan and the specific service, there may be copays, coinsurance, or deductibles. typically covers many preventive services, including wellness visits, cancer screenings, diabetes screenings, and vaccinations. However, depending on your Medicare plan and the specific service, there may be copays, coinsurance, or deductibles. Private insurance. Depending on your plan, you may be covered for preventive care with private health insurance. Many insurance plans cover preventive services with little or no out-of-pocket expense. Depending on your plan, you may be covered for preventive care with private health insurance. Many insurance plans cover preventive services with little or no out-of-pocket expense. Medicaid. Each state has its own Medicaid coverage for preventive care. Each state has its own Medicaid coverage for preventive care. Before your appointments, you should understand your insurance coverage and any potential out-of-pocket expenses. Please ask your doctor's office or insurance company if you have questions about the costs. Image Credit: Marco Dental Tourism Stomatolog Beograd; Pexels The post The Importance of Regular Checkups and Preventive Care in Retirement: Emphasizing Proactive Healthcare appeared first on Due.
