Routine Checkup, Over 65: Care Instructions
Routine checkups can help you stay healthy. Your doctor has checked your overall health and may have suggested ways to take good care of yourself. Your doctor also may have recommended tests. You can help prevent illness with healthy eating, good sleep, vaccinations, regular exercise, and other steps.
Get the tests that you and your doctor decide on. Depending on your age and risks, examples might include hearing tests as well as screening for colon, breast, and lung cancer. Screening helps find diseases before any symptoms appear.
Eat healthy foods. Choose vegetables and fruits, whole grain foods, and protein foods. Limit saturated fat, and reduce salt.
If you drink alcohol, try to drink less. Your risk of harm from alcohol is low if you have 2 drinks or less per week, moderate if you have 3 to 6 drinks per week, and high if you have 7 or more drinks per week.
Exercise. It can help prevent falls. Get at least 2½ hours of moderate to vigorous exercise a week. Walking, yoga, and tai chi can be good choices.
Reach and stay at your healthy weight. This will lower your risk for many health problems.
Take care of your mental health. Try to stay connected with friends, family, and community, and find ways to manage stress.
If you're feeling depressed or hopeless, talk to someone. A counsellor can help. If you don't have a counsellor, talk to your doctor.
Talk to your doctor if you think you may have a problem with alcohol or drug use. This includes prescription medicines, cannabis, and other drugs.
Avoid tobacco and nicotine: Don't smoke, vape, or chew. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor.
Practice safer sex. Getting tested, using condoms or dental dams, and limiting sex partners can help prevent STIs.
Make an advance care plan. This is a legal way to tell your family and doctor what you want to happen at the end of your life or when you can't speak for yourself.
Prevent problems where you can. Protect your skin from too much sun, wash your hands, brush your teeth twice a day, and wear a seat belt in the car.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
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Current as of: August 6, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
