Health Screenings: What Should Men Ages 70-74 Look For?

When it comes to health, prevention is an important component of a proactive attitude. By having health screenings performed, men between the ages of 70 and 74 can ensure that their doctors are able to pinpoint any concerns as soon as possible, which can often lead to these issues being treated early and preventing the development of more serious conditions. But what, exactly, are men in this age range supposed to focus on when it comes to preventative measures? John, who takes care of his elderly father in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, has done a bit of research to determine which screenings are necessary. Below are some of his findings.1 

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening
Also called an AAA screening, this test checks for any abnormalities in the section of the aorta that runs through the abdomen. Any bulges in the artery can lead to future medical complications, so it is important that men have an ultrasound to detect this issue and treat it as soon as possible.

Blood Pressure Screening
Blood pressure screening is a routine test that is done almost every time an individual visits the doctor's office. With a quick check of a senior's blood pressure, healthcare professionals can better understand their cardiovascular health and detect any issues that may be related to this particular system of the body.

Cholesterol Screening
A blood test conducted once every five years allows doctors to determine cholesterol levels and, if necessary, assist their patients in altering their diet and exercise routines in order to reach healthy readings. Cholesterol is directly connected with heart health, so this is a crucial screening for individuals as they get older.

Colorectal Cancer Screening
Colorectal cancer is not easy to detect, which is why it is frequently diagnosed at later stages. But by having colonoscopies, sigmoidoscopies, and stool samples analyzed on a regular basis, elderly individuals can take a proactive approach to their health. Doctors can help seniors to determine which test is best for their needs and how often it should be performed.

Healthcare is an important issue as individuals get older, and it is crucial that seniors are able to access the preventative screenings necessary to detect any issues as early as possible.
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1 http://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-09-2010/screenings_by_age_and_gender.9.html

Keeping Your Senior Healthy with the Right Screenings

Health screenings are an integral aspect of a well-rounded healthcare plan, as they allow medical professionals to identify and address any concerns that may arise before they become major issues. This proactive attitude is one that can help you to ensure that your elderly loved one has the medical attention necessary to keep their quality of life and overall wellbeing as high as possible. But what, exactly, are the screenings that your loved one should have? Keeping up with the recommendations associated with healthcare is not always easy, particularly since these suggestions are dependent upon both age and gender. To help you take the best care of your elderly loved one possible, senior care professionals from Durham, North Carolina, have provided the following list of screenings that are recommended for men aged 60 to 69.1

• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening: Also called an AAA screening, this particular test looks for any abnormalities in the aorta, which is an important artery. Using an ultrasound, doctors are able to detect an abdominal aortic aneurysm, which takes the shape of a bulge in the part of the artery that passes through the stomach. This particular test is crucial for individuals who have smoked, as their chances of developing this condition may be higher. 
• Blood Pressure Screening: A routine blood pressure reading is often the way that many medical facilities start their appointments—and for good reason. An accurate blood pressure reading can indicate heart health and call attention to any cardiovascular concerns that may be present. The test is recommended once every two years, but individuals are often administered this screening on every visit. 
• Cholesterol Screening: Cholesterol levels, including LDL, HDL, and total cholesterol, are, like blood pressure levels, indicative of heart health. Cholesterol screenings are performed by measuring these substances in the blood. This test is recommended at least once every five years. 
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Based upon doctor recommendations, it is important for seniors to have regular colorectal cancer screenings, which can be performed via a colonoscopy, a sigmoidoscopy, or a stool sample. 

By maintaining the right preventative, proactive attitude, you can assist your elderly loved one in following the recommended health screening schedule.
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1 http://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-09-2010/screenings_by_age_and_gender.9.html