Key Wellness Screenings For Seniors In Flagstaff

There’s a popular saying that the best care is preventative care. This approach can help reduce the risk of serious health issues and identify potential concerns early, allowing for timely treatment and better outcomes. For seniors, routine wellness screenings are a proactive way to maintain health and independence.

Screenings To Consider (And Where To Get Them)

There are many types of preventative care and screenings for older adults, and you should always consult with your doctor for a comprehensive list of options. However, below are a few common preventive measures, many of which you can schedule without a doctor’s order.

Cancer Screenings

When people think of preventative care, one of the most common things they think of is cancer screenings. Different types of cancer screenings may be recommended based on individual risk factors. However, two standard screenings recommended for most older adults are breast and colon/rectal cancer.

• Breast cancer: Most women are familiar with mammograms for breast cancer screening. A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast tissue to look for abnormal growths. You can get breast imaging at a Northern Arizona Healthcare location or Northern Arizona Radiology.
• Colorectal cancer: A colonoscopy is another well-known cancer screening recommended for men and women. It uses a small camera to check for polyps on the colon and rectum. You can schedule a colonoscopy at North Country Healthcare or Northern Arizona Gastroenterology.

Bone Density

Bones can become more fragile with age, which is why many older adults get bone density scans. As Northern Arizona Radiology explains, bone density scans can provide helpful insights into bone health and the risk of bone-related conditions like osteoporosis. Flagstaff Bone & Joint also offers bone density screenings.

Immunizations

An immunization, or vaccine, is a way of building your immunity to illnesses like influenza and measles. Some immunizations are a one-time thing that you get when you’re born or once you hit a certain age. Other immunizations are yearly to help you fight different strains of diseases, such as the flu. A few immunizations doctors suggest as you get older include RSV, shingles, and hepatitis.

You can get immunizations from your general practitioner. Flu and COVID-19 immunizations are also available at local pharmacies like Walgreens or CVS.

Eye Exams

Eyes, like many other parts of the body, change with age. Many people get eye exams when they’re young to determine if they need glasses, and continue these exams into adulthood so they can continue to update their prescriptions. As you get older, doctors can perform eye exams to test for eye conditions like cataracts or glaucoma.

However, eye exams are not only for checking your vision. Eye exams can also reveal signs of non-eye-related conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes, making regular checkups even more important.

There are many places through Flagstaff where you can get an eye exam, such as Highline Eye Care and Optical, Flagstaff Vision, and Northland Eye Care. Many offices offer discounted or free eye care exams if you purchase a pair of prescription eyeglasses from them.

Hearing Tests

Your ears and hearing change with age, and many medical professionals recommend regular hearing tests after the age of 50. Typically, hearing tests are checking for age-related hearing loss. Regular checkups can also help doctors identify if there’s been a significant change in a short time.

You can schedule a hearing test with the Hearing Aid Center.

Blood Tests

A blood test is a relatively simple screening where a phlebotomist takes a small sample of blood and runs different tests to check various aspects of your health. Blood tests can help you and your medical team understand many parts of your health and wellness, such as:

• Blood sugar levels
• Bleeding disorders
• Organ function
• Vitamin and mineral levels

Some blood tests may require a doctor’s authorization, but you can purchase various tests from blood labs like Labcorp.

Fitness Tests

There’s a lot of research out there that shows a correlation between physical activity and health. Physically active people have lower risks of heart disease, certain cancers, and diabetes. Regular exercise can also contribute to brain health and decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety.

A fitness test is less medical than other preventative screenings and can vary depending on who performs it and the purpose of the test. Fitness tests can offer a helpful starting point for improving physical health and well-being.

If you’re interested in a fitness test, schedule a session with a certified personal trainer from a trusted gym or fitness studio like the Flagstaff Athletic Club. Let your trainer know before your session what your fitness goals are, and they’ll have you perform various tests to assess your fitness abilities across different categories, such as flexibility, mobility, strength, and endurance.

Supporting Seniors with Visiting Angels

Visiting Angels is a locally owned and operated home care agency assisting seniors throughout Flagstaff and the surrounding areas. Our non-medical, at-home services support clients with what they need to stay safe at home with optimal well-being. A few areas we assist in include:

• Local transportation: Our caregivers offer transportation to medical appointments, pharmacies, or other local errands, ensuring seniors stay on top of their care.
• Appointment reminders: Our caregivers can help schedule and set calendar reminders so clients remember to attend their appointments.
• Aftercare: Caregivers can provide non-medical assistance after a hospital or doctor’s visit to help clients recover quickly and safely and to ensure they follow any instructions given by their medical team.

Contact our Flagstaff office to learn more about at-home care with Visiting Angels.