Seniors Staying Healthy: 10 Tips for Preventive Health Care

Preventative health care for seniors involves a combination of self-care and observation, good communication, and keeping as active and involved as you can be. If you follow these tips for preventative health care, it will help keep you from worrying about your health as well!

1. Take advantage of wellness fairs whenever possible for lots of great, low-cost health care information and testing.

2. If you have taken your body for granted, start regular inspections of your body, including feet, breast self exam for women, testicular self exam for men, checking in the mirror for moles that may be changing or suspicious. Note your skin condition, nails, eyes. Let your doctor know of any changes or other items you are concerned about. If you've been doing these already, great!

3. Check your blood pressure regularly at the pharmacy or with a home blood pressure cuff or machine. Ask your doctor what numbers are reason to give him or her a call.

4. If you are diabetic, keep up with your self-care, including regular blood sugar testing, foot care, eye exams, and nutritional planning and counseling. Know your A1C number.

5. Keep a spouse, family member or friend involved in your health care, taking someone with you to doctor appointments if appropriate. It helps to have someone with you who sees you frequently at home to help answer questions, and this person can also help you make notes on the visit.

6. Eat well! Even if you live alone, make sure your nutrition is good. There are many ways to do this, from meals-on-wheels to grocery delivery services and even helpful neighbors and friends. Your body will continue to appreciate the right nutrients and care.

7. Hydration - even being somewhat dehydrated can cause a variety of symptoms which may cause concern. Drinking enough water can avoid unnecessary trips to the doctor in some cases.

8. Keep basic health information with you at all times, in your wallet or on a medic-alert bracelet or necklace if you have specific conditions. If you are unconscious or don't remember everything you need to in an emergency, you'll help medical personnel just by the information readily accessible.

9. Prepare a medical power of attorney and other related documents so that your care can proceed smoothly even if you aren't able to direct it temporarily.

10. Keep active, social and if you are housebound make sure someone is coming by to make sure you are in good spirits. Do things you enjoy, you have earned it!

These preventative health care tips for seniors are just a few of the ways that you can be in charge of your health as you get older. Take care of yourself and enjoy life!