Promoting Healthy Lifestyles

According to the 2003 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report, “Healthy Aging for Older Adults”, nine out of ten adults over the age of 65 go without appropriate health care screenings. Screening tests can catch conditions or diseases in their early stages, when they are more easily treated, and substantially reduce the impact of illnesses such as heart disease, hypertension, cancer, or diabetes. In addition, the results may help identify potential risk factors for disease that can be managed with simple lifestyle changes. A recent report from the Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement (ICSI) recommended that adults age 65 and older obtain preventive services every one to two years. If you would like to schedule such an appointment, please contact a health care provider. Your local Area Agency on Aging may have information on local health care providers. To locate the AAA in your area contact the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., EST, or visit http://www.eldercare.gov/.

General Resource Links:

• ACS Cancer Detection Guidelines – American Cancer Society – ACS – Guidelines for when to undergo cancer-screening tests. (Off Site)
  
  
• Additional Healthcare Information – ISCI – Supplementary healthcare topics that should be discussed with older patients.
  
  
• CDC’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program – CDC – Provides a list of contacts where patients can obtain a free or low-cost mammogram and Pap test. (Off Site)
  
  
• Colorectal Cancer Screening – Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality – AHRQ – Information about colorectal cancer screening. (Off Site)
  
  
• Find a Flu Shot – American Lung Association – Information about how to find a Flu Shot clinic. (Off Site)
  
  
• Medical Screening Tests Covered By Medicare Insurance – Lists preventive screening tests that are covered by Medicare. (Off Site)
  
  
• Men’s and Women’s Preventive Health Checklists – AHRQ – Designed to help patients keep track of important preventive health screenings. (Off Site)
  
  
• Personal Health Guide – AHRQ – Designed to help patients make sure that they get the tests, immunizations, and guidance that they need to stay healthy. (Off Site)
  
  
• Recommended Preventive Screenings – ISCI – Preventive services recommended for patients aged 65 and over.
  
  
• Screening for Diseases in Adults: Recommendations – AHRQ – Comprehensive information about preventive screenings recommended by the U.S. Preventive Service Task Force’s Guide to Clinical Preventive Services, 3rd ed. (Off Site)
  

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