If you have entered your 50s and worrying about your health, then here’s a healthcare checklist containing questions you should ask your doctor to keep the approaching health problems at bay.As your body grows older, it becomes a favourite host of infectious organisms. It’s more difficult to serve and protect your body after you’ve attained your 50s but that doesn’t mean that you should let the anything harm it. It’s never too late to show concern towards your health. You should be ready with a healthcare checklist containing all the questions you should ask your doctor to keep yourself protected from the diseases associated with men in old age. A medical check up checklist helps you plan a better health and makes sure that you are receiving the amount of care you need.
This is a healthcare checklist which will help you complete your good health picture:
Which tests I need to go through at my age?
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Screenings, tests and examinations are good ways to detect and prevent health problems and risks. They help in keeping chronic diseases at arm’s length.
These tests must be there on your medical check up checklist:
- Blood pressure: Get your blood pressure checked after every 2 years
- Blood sugar/diabetes testing: Go for this test if your blood pressure varies from 135/50 or if you take medications for blood pressure
- Cholesterol: Be regular with your blood tests for checking your good and bad cholesterol levels
- BMI: It stands for Body Mass Index and is a measure of your body weight. It helps you decide whether you need to lose or gain weight.
- Bone health: Men are at a high risk of osteoporosis and are not immune to bone problems. Ask your doctor for regular bone screening.
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases: If you suspect abnormal changes in your sexual activity then ask your doctor to screen you for HIV or other STDs
- Abnormal aortic aneurysm: You require this screening if your age lies between 65 and 75 and you have been a smoker
- Colorectal cancer: Regular screening for cancers should be done between ages 50 and 75 years
How can I prevent illness?
Consult your doctor
Immunizations or vaccines keep you safe from diseases like flu shot, whooping cough, tetanus, pneumonia
- Take aspirin as it lowers your risk for heart attack or stroke
- Use sunscreen for protection against skin cancer
- Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men. Undergo a test to check for prostate cancer or related symptoms.
Am I taking the right diet?
Your diet should change according to your age as your nutritional needs also change. You may need to take a diet rich in fibre, vitamin D, calcium and, potassium and less of sodium and saturated fat to lower your risk for heart disease. Talk to your doctor and prepare a diet that is best for you.
Do I need vitamin supplements?
Multivitamins and other supplements may help your body get all the nutrients in the right proportion. Do not take them without consulting with your doctor as they may cause side effects or drug interactions with medications you may be taking.
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Are there chances of me becoming depressed?
If you feel sad, hopeless, uninterested in activities which you once loved to do or get suicidal thoughts for two weeks or more in a year, you need to talk to your doctor. Your doctor may screen you for depression and if required, provide you professional help.
Should I exercise more often?
Exercise is helpful for an aging body as it reduces the risk for broken bones, strengthens your muscles, improves heart strength, prevents diabetes by reducing body weight, etc. Ask your doctor for a comprehensive exercise program including aerobic exercise, strength training, etc.
Should I give up smoking and drinking?
Your doctor will always urge you to quit smoking irrespective of your age. Quitting smoking can enhance your health and increase your life expectancy. Also, abstaining from alcoholic drinks will be good for your liver, kidneys, and other vital organs.
What other doctors do I need to see?
Your doctor may recommend you to meet an ophthalmologist every year for a vision screening and an ear doctor to get your ears checked. You may need to visit a specialist according to your activities and other potential health problems.
Conclusion:
Older men are at high risk for health problems. They can receive proper care with the help of a healthcare checklist like the one given in this article. They should ask these questions from their doctors who would guide them in return and help in keeping their problems at bay.
