Health is the most valuable asset that an individual can possess.The most reliable way to prevent diseases and well-being is to have periodical health check ups without fail. If you are aged over 60, then it is essential to maintain a check on your health. With precautionary health checkups, one can detect the risk factors involved in several diseases, and the necessary precautions can be administered.
1. Screening for Hypertension:
Hypertension (or) High Blood Pressure is a state in which the force of the blood toward the walls of the Blood Vessel is too High. Hypertension generates a high proportion of cases of cardiovascular diseases and is highly common among the older generation. Older adults over the age of 60 are recommended to screen annually as they have greater possibilities of having hypertension.
Screening of blood pressure is performed with a standard or automatic sphygmomanometer. The conventional procedure is to take the average of two values, use an appropriately sized arm cuff, and place the patient's arm at the level of the right atrium. The sphygmomanometer band is inflated to well beyond normal systolic pressure. As the valve is turned open, cuff/band tension gradually declines. When the cuff's pressure matches the systolic pressure of the artery, blood starts to flow through the cuff/band, generating blood flow and audible vibration sounds.
Utilizing a stethoscope, these vibration sounds are audible and the cuff's pressure is noted. The blood flow sounds will proceed till the Pressure of the cuff/band drops under the diastolic pressure of the Artery. The Diastolic pressure is recorded when the sound due to the flow of blood ceases. Series of observations administered across time have a positive relevant value than a single observation.
2. Screening for Hypercholesterolemia (or) High Cholesterol:
Hypercholesterolemia (or) high cholesterol, is the presence of increased levels of cholesterol in the bloodstream. Cholesterol is a kind of lipid found in the bloodstream. These charts are basic guidelines
Cholesterol levels can be screened with the aid of a blood test named lipid profile. For this particular lipid profile test, a small sample of blood from your finger or arms. A lipid profile test checks the levels of Triglycerides, Total, LDL, and HDL cholesterol. Cholesterol levels in elders should be examined/ screened periodically, most likely every 4–6 yrs. It can be disheartening when these screenings report that cholesterol is higher than the normal level, but elders looking to reduce their cholesterol can take pleasure in the truth that lifestyle modifications and medication make hypercholesterolemia much treatable.
3. Screening for obesity:
Obesity is a disease comprising an excessive measure of fat content in the body. Obesity is a condition that progresses your risk of various other diseases such as cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, high BP, and certain types of cancer.
Body mass index (BMI) is the individual's weight ( in kg ) divided by the square of height (in m). The commonly accepted normal range of BMI is 18.5- 24.9 ( kg/m2). A high Body Mass Index value can be a sign of a high level of fat in the body. BMI is an economical and simple screening process for obesity.
4. Screening for osteoporosis:
Inadequate intake of calcium can cause low bone density disorder called osteoporosis. It is a state in which bones grow weak and fragile. Deficiency of calcium plays a major role in the development of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is not an imminent disease, certain lifestyle changes such as physical exercise, proper calcium intake, quitting smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption can make it preventable.
Bone Mineral Density is the initial criterion for identification. Densitometry ( DEXA ) is the primary X-ray of the density of bones like bones in the wrist, spine. DEXA scan can be administered over the age of 65.
Research shows that an individual can cautiously wait as long as 10 -15 yrs before turning for the next test if the baseline report reveals “normal” (a T score of -1 or higher). If the baseline DEXA analysis shows osteopenia ( a t score of -1 to -2.5), take this as a warning to take necessary measures to increase healthy bone strength. Those individuals with a DEXA result of osteopenia can return for the next test within 2-5 years, depending on the severity of bone damage. If it reveals osteoporosis ( a t score of -2.5 or less), that individual will require to consider, in discussion with a healthcare provider. The interval of follow-up screening for osteoporosis will depend on the treatment method chosen.
5. Screening for Cervical Cancer:
The cervix is the part of the uterus, the area where a baby grows throughout pregnancy. Cervical cancer is generated by a virus termed Human papillomavirus (HPV). This specific virus is acquired through sexual connection.
Cervical cancer screening is commonly part of a woman's wellness checkup. There are two types of screening tests for cervical cancer: the PAP test and the HPV test. For both the tests, the cells from the surface of the cervix are collected by the physician. With the PAP test, they examine whether the sample contains any cancer cells or abnormal cells that could grow into cancer later on. With the HPV test, they examine for the presence of Human papillomavirus HPV infection. If your screening examinations are abnormal, your physician may perform more analyses, such as a biopsy.
6. Screening for Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is cancer that develops in the breasts. Breast cancer is the most prevalent in women throughout the world.
Breast Cancer is examined by an X-ray called a mammogram. For most women, mammograms are the most reliable way to detect breast cancer early, when it is more manageable to treat. Having routine mammograms can reduce the chance of fading from breast cancer.
7. Screening for lung cancer.
Lung cancer is the major determinant of cancer mortality in both men and women globally.
The chest X-ray is the most obvious initial screening when any new signs of lung cancer arise. Chest X-rays expose the individual shortly to a meager amount of radiation. Chest X-rays may expose abnormal regions in the lungs but are inadequate to decide if those abnormal areas are carcinogenic. In order to examine whether the abnormal areas are cancerous by CT (computerized tomography) screening may be conducted on the chest.
Proper health checkups for seniors can help to identify severe diseases before they enter into the last (or) incurable stages. You can make suitable lifestyle modifications based on these tests to live a more abundant and healthier life.
Author: Team 60plus India
Keywords: Hypertension,sphygmomanometer,hypercholesterolemia,obesity, body mass index, osteoporosis, cervical cancer, human papillomavirus , HPV ,PAP test,mammogram,breast cancer,lung cancer.
Tags: #hypertension #obesity #hypercholesterolemia #bodymassindex #BMI #breastcancer #mammogram #lungcancer #HPVtest #PAP #humanpapillomavirus #osteoporosis #sphygmomanometer #prevention #screening #prevent #diagnosis #cervicalcancer
