Maintaining a Healthy Body

Doctor’s Visit Visiting your doctor is important. Knowing what to ask and what tests to have is also important. Taking care of your health includes getting tests that can help find diseases early. Both men and women need to visit their doctor regularly. You should see a doctor at least once a year so that important tests can be done. It’s very important to keep track of your numbers for blood pressure, cholesterol, and body mass index (BMI). They can help tell how healthy you are. They can also show if you are at risk for heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and more.

National Institute on Aging – “Talking with your Doctor – A Guide for Older People”

Health Screening Guidelines
Below is a list of some common tests you need to stay on track for good health.

1. Women 40 and older should have a mammogram every one to two years to check for breast cancer.  A baseline mammogram should be done between 35-40 and annually starting at age 40.
   • Breast Cancer Prevention
   • “Get Checked for Breast Cancer”  (English  Español  中文)
      
2. Men should have routine checks for testicular and prostate cancer.
   • “Prostate Cancer Screening – A Decision Guide”  (English  Español)
   • Centers for Disease Control & Prevention – “Prostate Cancer"
      
3. Everyone should be checked for skin cancer regularly.
   • Skin Cancer Foundation – “What is Skin Cancer?”
   • American Cancer Society –“Skin Cancer Prevention and Early Detection”
      
4. Everyone over 50 should have routine check-ups for colon cancer.
   • “Get Checked!” (English  Español  中文)
   • NYS Department of Health – “About Colorectal Cancer”
   • “Colorectal Cancer Screening-Basic Fact Sheet”
      
5. Everyone 65 and older should have a glaucoma test at least once in two years.
   • National Institutes of Health – “What is Glaucoma?”
   • “Glaucoma Screening”
      
6. Women 65 and older should have a bone density test to check for osteoporosis.
   • “What is Osteoporosis” (English  Español)
   • National Osteoporosis Foundation – “Having a Bone Density Test”
      
7. If you are a diabetic, it’s important to have your blood sugar, kidneys, and eyes checked on a regular basis.
   • “Diabetes In Older People — A Disease You Can Manage” (English  Español)
   • American Diabetes Association – “Living with Diabetes (Seniors)"
      

Vaccines
You should get a flu shot every year. This will protect you from getting very sick and help keep you out of the hospital. The best time to get a flu shot is October or November.

• “Shots for Safety” (English  Español)

• “Preventing Influenza in Older Adults”

• “Flu and You:  Important Information for Older Adults”

• “Stop the Spread of Influenza” (English  Español  中文)

• Centers for Disease Control & Prevention - “Seasonal Flu” (English  Español)

Pneumonia can make you very sick. It can lead to serious health problems. Everyone over the age of 65 should get a pneumonia vaccine (shot) every 10 to 15 years. The shot can be given at any time during the year.

• “How can Pneumonia be Prevented?”
• “If you’re 65 or older, it’s time to get your pneumococcal shot”