Health Screenings: What Women Aged 70-74 Should Look For

Aging is a natural process that brings about changes in the body; however, it is important that you and your senior understand what these changes are and how they can impact your elderly loved one's health in order to keep your senior at an optimal level of wellbeing. Regular health screenings are a wonderful way to monitor your loved one and catch any medical concerns as early as possible. But the truth is that different stages of life require that attention is paid to a wide range of health concerns. Debbie, a nurse in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, recommends that women who are between the ages of 70 and 74 get the following screenings. 1

• Blood Pressure Screening: Administered at least once every two years, blood pressure tests can ensure that the cardiovascular system is working as it should be. Typically, blood pressure is checked at the beginning of every doctor's appointment, so keeping up with a screening every other year should not prove difficult. 
• Breast Cancer Screening: Another bi-annual screening, mammograms look for abnormal breast tissue in order to detect any cancerous cells. These tests use low levels of radiation to scan the tissue and create images of it that doctors examine.
• Cholesterol Screening: Unhealthy cholesterol levels can lead to heart disease and other medical conditions. A simple blood test can measure LDL, HDL, and total cholesterol to determine if these levels are acceptable or if lifestyle changes need to be made to improve these readings. This screening should be performed once every five years at the least. 
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, and stool samples are all different measures of checking for abnormalities that could indicate cancer. These tests can be stopped after age 75 but are important, as they detect a type of cancer that is difficult to otherwise pinpoint. 
• Osteoporosis Screening: By using an x-ray, doctors can test bone density in an effort to detect this condition as early as possible. This should be done every two to five years, depending on the recommendations of healthcare professionals. 

Debbie knows that it can be difficult to help your loved one navigate the healthcare system. By using this list as a guide, you can make sure that your senior is getting the medical attention they need.
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1 http://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-09-2010/screenings_by_age_and_gender.4.html