Use the warmer months to get outside and enhance your activity level. If you haven't been to the doctor recently, make sure you set-up an appointment with your primary care physician for a standard check-up. During this appointment, use the time to discuss your current health, and potential health risks. Don't forget to ask about any screenings you may need.
For women, this may be a pap test, mammogram, and annual blood test for cholesterol. For men, make sure you talk to your physician about your prostate cancer risk, and get an annual blood test. Hearing loss can also affect men over the age of 60, so you may want to ask for a hearing test. In addition, you’ll want to make sure you pencil in the following this summer:
Skin test
At the height of summer, good skin health should be top of mind. It's important to have a skin/mole check each year to make sure you aren’t at risk for skin cancer. Do an at home scan monthly to be sure that there haven't been any changes to the shape or color of moles. And, don't forget to load up on the SPF every day!
Teeth cleaning
You should see a dental professional twice each year for a standard exam and teeth cleaning. The summer is a great time to get that taken care of.
Sleep habits
During the summer heat, you may have trouble sleeping. Make sure it doesn't become a bigger issue by talking with you physician about your sleep habits, including your risk for sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea. The Sleep Program at El Camino Hospital offers sleep studies to individuals suffering from sleep disorders. Call 408-866-4070 for more information.
Blood glucose test for diabetes
With all the summer activities, comes summer BBQs and lots of rich food. Ask your doctor for a blood glucose test, if you haven't been tested recently. Diabetes is very treatable when caught early.
Bone density
About one in two women and up to one in four men over the age of 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. Get your bone density checked, and work with your doctor to develop a care plan if you have low bone density. Call 650-940-7050 to book your bone density test today. Physician referral required.
This article first appeared in the July 2014 edition of the HealthPerks newsletter.
