5 Health Screenings Seniors Should Get Every Fall

Fall is in the air, and that means that your senior mom or dad should schedule their annual health screenings. Fall is an excellent time for your senior parent to get their annual screenings. By getting those screenings now, they can avoid going out during cold and flu season. And they can avoid going out when the weather isn’t great.

If you can’t take the time off work to take your mom or dad to their health screenings, look into senior home care services. If your mom or dad has senior home care, a care provider can take your mom or dad to any medical appointments. They can also take your mom or dad to the store, to the bank, to run errands, to get their hair cut, and do other chores that can be tough for seniors.

Talk to your mom or dad today about senior home care and scheduling these recommended annual health screenings:

 

Blood Pressure Screening

Getting regular blood pressure is important for all seniors, even if your mom or dad hasn’t had high blood pressure in the past. High blood pressure (hypertension) is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems. Regular screening helps monitor blood pressure levels and manage hypertension, reducing the risk of cardiovascular complications.

 

Blood Glucose Test

Diabetes is one of the most common conditions that affects seniors. It’s important for seniors who have any risk factors for diabetes, like being overweight, to get their blood glucose tested each year.

This test checks for diabetes or prediabetes. Early detection of elevated blood glucose levels can help manage diabetes more effectively and prevent complications such as nerve damage, kidney disease, and vision problems. By getting diagnosed early your mom or dad will have a much better chance of controlling the disease before it permanently affects their health.

 

Cholesterol Test

A cholesterol test measures levels of LDL (bad cholesterol), HDL (good cholesterol), and triglycerides. Elevated LDL cholesterol levels can lead to atherosclerosis and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Monitoring and managing cholesterol levels with the assistance of senior home care providers can help prevent cardiovascular issues.

If your senior parent has high cholesterol they should be tested more than once a year. And, if there is a history of high cholesterol in your family, your mom or dad should get tested as well as focus on eating a heart-healthy diet.

 

Bone Density Test

It is extremely important for women who are older than 65 to get a bone density test every year. Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by weakened bones, increasing the risk of fractures. Bone density tests help assess bone health and identify osteoporosis early, allowing for interventions to strengthen bones and reduce fracture risk.

If your mom hasn’t had a bone density test recently, talk to her doctor and get one scheduled. If your mom has osteoporosis, treatment and senior home care services may help her keep her mobility and independence longer.

 

Cancer Screenings

All seniors should have regular cancer screenings. Your mom should have a mammogram every year. And your dad should have a colonoscopy every year. Additionally, seniors of both genders should be tested for things like skin cancer regularly.

Early detection and treatment can save lives.

 

 

 

If you or an aging loved one is considering Senior Home Care in Falls Church, VA, please contact the caring staff at Thrive Health Care Services today. (703) 992-0484