How health screenings can help you care for aging parents

It’s only natural to worry about the health of your parents as they grow older. Afterall, aging increases the risk for several chronic diseases, including arthritis, cancer, dementia and Type 2 diabetes. But luckily, regular health screenings are an excellent tool for detecting health problems in their earliest stages, when they’re most treatable.

Understand recommended wellness screenings

Routine screenings are one of the cornerstones for maintaining overall health and wellness for patients at every age and stage of life. And as our loved ones age, the role of health screenings becomes even more crucial and can offer a sense of relief and reassurance that many conditions can be managed effectively. But it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we’re providing a list of screenings to help you help your aging parents, so they can continue to thrive.

At HCA Florida Healthcare, we want to help you protect your loved one’s health with health screenings that can identify potential health issues before they become major health challenges. We can also help you find a doctor and learn which preventative screenings are right for you.

Annual physician visit and bloodwork

Even if your loved one feels fine, it’s still important they see their healthcare provider at least once a year to discuss any issues and avoid future problems. Most annual exams also include blood tests for vitamin deficiencies, cholesterol levels, metabolic panels and blood disorders.

Blood pressure test

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), men and women over 65 should have their blood pressure checked at least once a year. Fortunately, there are a number of convenient ways to get access to the screenings they need, including at their annual doctor’s visit, community health screening events and by appointment at many pharmacies. 

It’s also important to note that they may need more frequent monitoring if they have a chronic illness such as heart disease or diabetes or a family history of high blood pressure.

Pulse oximetry test

Pulse oximetry uses a small clip-like device to measure the oxygen level in your blood. If your blood doesn’t have enough oxygen, it can strain your vital organs and permanently damage your health.

Your loved one may need a pulse oximetry test if they experience shortness of breath regularly or have a condition that affects their breathing, such as lung cancer, heart failure or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Mammogram

Regular mammograms detect breast cancer early when treatment has a higher probability of success. The American Cancer Society recommends that women 55 and older have a mammogram every year or every other year, depending on their physician's recommendation. Screenings should continue as long as your loved one is in good health and expected to live at least 10 years.

Cervical cancer screening

The Pap test and human papillomavirus (HPV) test are used to detect cervical cancer. After age 65, most women who haven’t been diagnosed previously with cervical cancer don’t need Pap testing as long as they have a history of normal Pap test results, according to the NIH. Your loved one should talk to their doctor about whether they should keep cervical cancer screening on their wellness calendar.

Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is often used to detect precancerous polyps and colorectal cancer. The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), a national panel of experts who make recommendations about clinical preventative services, recommends people between 50 and 75 years old with average risk factors should have regular screening for colorectal cancer. If your loved one is over 75, their provider can help you decide if a colonoscopy is a good choice.

Prostate exam

According to the USPSTF, if your loved one is age 55 to 69 years old, he should talk to his doctor about the benefits and risks of being screened for prostate cancer and decide what’s right for him.

This recommendation applies if he:

• Does not have symptoms of prostate cancer
• Has an average risk for prostate cancer
• Has never been diagnosed with prostate cancer
• Is at an increased risk for prostate cancer

Guidelines for prostate cancer screening can vary among leading organizations. It’s always best for you and your loved one to talk to a doctor about whether prostate screening is right for them.

Bone density test

All women over 65, and some men over age 65, should undergo bone density testing, according to the USPSTF. Women under 65 with an increased risk of bone loss should also consider it.  

Several other factors can increase bone loss risk. You and your loved one should talk to a doctor about a bone density test if they:

• Are taking medications that could weaken your bones
• Consume more than three alcoholic drinks daily
• Had one or more fractures after age 50
• Have a family history of osteoporosis
• Have lost half of an inch or more of height in a year
• Have very low body weight
• Smoke

Lung cancer screening

Lung cancer screening uses low dose computed tomography (LDCT) to detect cancerous cells in your lungs. 

USPSTF guidelines recommend lung cancer screening if you:

• Are between 50 and 80 years old, and
• Have a 20 pack-year or more smoking history, and
• Smoke now or have quit within the past 15 years

A physician referral is required to schedule a lung cancer screening.

Skin cancer screening

Depending on your loved one’s risk factors, they may need a professional skin exam every one to three years. They should consider screening if they notice any skin cancer warning signs, such as new moles or moles that changed in appearance.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening

If your loved one is male, 65 – 75 years old and a current or past smoker, they should consider a one-time abdominal aortic aneurysm screening. If they’ve never smoked or they are female, their need for the screening is based on other risk factors such as family history of aneurysm.

Schedule important health screenings

We know life gets busy. That’s why HCA Florida Healthcare makes it easy to find and schedule the preventative screenings you and your loved ones need. Learn more about the health screenings we offer and how to schedule them.