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

What Health Screenings Do Women Aged 60 – 69 Need?

By:  Todd Palmer at Always Best Care

As the body ages, seniors experience a wide range of changes. For instance, they may find that they have higher blood pressure, are at a greater risk for certain types of cancer, or have developed diabetes. Yasmine, who lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, talked to her doctor about the healthcare needs for women in her age group (60 to 69). Here, Yasmine offers a list of health screenings that are recommended by the AARP.1

1. Blood Pressure Screening: Seniors should have their blood pressure checked at least once every two years, as abnormal levels can indicate heart disease and other conditions. Blood pressure tests are noninvasive and quick, and are as such often conducted at each doctor's appointment before the consultation with a physician. 
2. Breast Cancer Screening: Mammograms scan the breast for abnormal tissue, allowing doctors to detect any tumors or other concerns. These should be done once every two years. 
3. Cervical Cancer Screening: A Pap smear, which should be done every three years, can identify any cellular changes that may be caused by cervical cancer. Human papillomavirus, or HPV, can lead to cervical cancer, so an HPV screening is also recommended. 
4. Cholesterol Screening: Through a blood test, medical professionals can pinpoint any elevated or high cholesterol levels. This test will differentiate between LDL, HDL, and total cholesterol. One test every five years is recommended.  
5. Colorectal Cancer Screening: This test can be performed in one of three ways, depending upon a senior's medical needs and the recommendations of their doctors. A colonoscopy may be conducted, which sends a camera into the body to identify any abnormalities. A sigmoidoscopy is the same procedure, but it is focused on the rectum and pelvic colon area. Finally, stool samples may be screened for blood. 

Yasmine has spent a great deal of time determining which health screenings she needs to have done in order to best protect her health as she ages. For women who are between the ages of 60 and 69, these are five of the most highly recommended tests. By having these conducted, seniors can work with their doctors to ensure that they are in the best health possible.

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1 http://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-092010/screenings_by_age_and_gender.3.html