A yearly health checkup is something that most of us are used to doing, even in our younger years. However, as time passes, we become more relaxed about it. Why not skip a year or two? When people get to a certain age, they start skipping these checkups more often. They shouldn’t. When you are a caregiver, or have hired a caregiver for your aging loved one, you may believe that they have all the help they need. This might be partially true, but it is not a reason to avoid going to a doctor.
Why Are Checkups Important?
A yearly checkup for your senior needs to be a ‘must do.’ These tests are a thing of routine, and they should take place every year. As time passes, it is good to monitor your health a bit more not less.
Yearly checkups help to find specific conditions in their early stages. That way, it is possible to have an early intervention and improve the health of your senior. Medicare covers many tests that can be done annually, so you shouldn’t stay away from them for fear of the financial costs.
What Tests Are Needed?
While some tests might be unnecessary on a yearly basis, some are imperative every twelve months. To see whether things are changing for better or for the worse, these are some of the primary tests that you should have on a yearly checkup. The first list includes general tests that are the same for both sexes:
- Blood Pressure
- Height
- Weight
- EKG
- Colonoscopy
If your senior is a woman, include these:
- Mammogram
- Pap Smear and Pelvic Exam
- Bone Mass
For men, things change a bit, and these two examinations should be added:
- Prostate Exam
- Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)
You should take some of your time to talk to the doctor about the personal history of your senior and their specific needs. The more you know in advance can help you as a caregiver and make life easier both for you and your elderly loved one.
Featured Image Source: www.bethesdahealth.org
