Senior Health Checklist

AS WE GROW OLDER, a yearly physical exam becomes more and more important. That’s because seniors generally have more health concerns that may need additional monitoring. The following routine tests are recommended by the American Medical Association as part of your annual physical.

For Men & Women
☐ Blood Pressure: High blood pressure or hypertension is an indicator of heart disease.

☐ Height: A decrease in height can be a sign of osteoporosis.

☐ Weight: Significant weight loss can indicate a serious illness.

☐ Blood Work: To check for diabetes as well as thyroid, kidney and heart problems.

☐ EKG: Done every two to three years to check the health of your heart.

☐ Colorectal Cancer Exam: Talk to your personal physician about which of these options is best, starting at age 50:
⊲ Fecal Occult Blood Test (once a year),
⊲ Flexible Sigmoidoscopy (every two years),
⊲ Colonoscopy (every 10 years).

☐ Bone Density Test: To check the risk of osteoporosis in all women age 65 and older and all men 70 and older.

For Men
☐ Prostate Cancer Exam: Talk to your physician about whether you should have a prostate exam and a PSA blood test.

For Women
☐ Mammogram: Recommended yearly exam for all women in good health starting at age 40.

Source: American Medical Association

Would you like to have a physical exam but don’t have a primary care physician? No problem! Just go to mainstreethospital.com for a complete list of our internal medicine and family practice physicians. Or call 000-000-0000.