A key focus of my blog is Health/Wellness. As our bodies change, we have to change our approach to going to see our healthcare professionals. The following contributed post is entitled, Getting Older? 5 Health Appointments You Shouldn’t Ignore.
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The older you get, the less need you feel to visit a health professional. Most adults only rush to the hospital when they need emergency medical care. However, the older you get, the more critical regular health appointments become, especially if you’re a senior. Staying on top of health appointments is crucial and ensures improved quality of life. But with so many health aspects to consider, what appointments should you focus more on? Here are five health appointments you should never ignore as you get older.
1. Visit your dentist
If you’re a senior, you can expect your teeth to be more fragile than they used to be when you were younger. The tooth’s enamel can wear down with aging, increasing the risk of tooth breakage and cavity growth. Going for yearly dental screenings with cleanings and x-rays can help prevent dental damage. Also, your dentist will be able to offer treatments like dental implants or mini dental implants to replace any missing teeth.
2. Visit your primary care physician
Experts advise that older adults should visit their doctors for a full physical screening at least once a year. A typical annual physical examination covers head to toe and can last about 30 minutes. It entails measuring vital signs such as blood pressure, blood sugar count, temperature, heart rate, etc. You may also undergo neurological examinations, mental state screening, balance, reflexes, nerves, and muscle strength examinations. Additionally, your doctor may examine your sleeping and eating habits and any noticeable changes you may have experienced.
Aside from your primary care physician, you should visit medical specialists if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.
3. Go for an STI screening
Many people have regarded sexually transmitted infections as a youth problem for years. However, research shows that cases of STIs have increased dramatically among the adult population in recent years. And this is particularly the case because adults, especially between 40 and 45 years, are re-entering the dating pool due to separation and divorce. Even worse, these adults no longer have the immunity defenses they used to have when they were younger. As such, regular STI screening is important. This screening covers HIV, chlamydia, and gonorrhea, among others.
4. Get a hearing test
Hearing defects can sneak up on you so quietly that you may not notice it until it’s too late. Since hearing loss due to aging is irreversible, it’s important to have regular screening as often as possible. The earlier a hearing issue is detected, the quicker and more effective your treatment will be.
5. Visit an optometrist
Just like your hearing, it’s possible to lose your eyesight with age. But unlike hearing loss, eyesight deterioration can happen very quickly. Experts advise that you make yearly trips to your optometrist if you’re a senior. A typical session with an optometrist will cover vision tests that assess how well you can see close up and far away.
Your health is extremely important, and prioritizing it is even more crucial as you grow older. With the points listed above, you’re sure not to miss the appointments that matter.