With the start of a new year and a new deductible on our health insurance plan, I needed a refresher on what health procedures are covered by our plan.  Pulling out our coverage book, I was pleasantly surprised to see many tests are now completely covered under the preventative portion of our health insurance.  Among many others, tests such as a colonoscopy, mammogram, bone density and cholesterol screening are all paid for by our insurance as "wellness benefits".  If you're like me, you are always happy to find a way to save some money, but I'm wondering, do I really need to have my bone density or my cholesterol tested?  I'm sure that if I'm wondering what routine medical screenings I should have at my age, seniors and their family members are probably also concerned with what medical tests are needed.  After searching for some answers, here's what tests I have found are recommended by The United States Preventive Services Task Force to keep seniors healthy, happy, and safe.

•  Blood Pressure.  Most of us have our blood pressure checked at least once a year, or whenever we visit our doctor.  However, not everyone sees their doctor regularly, and are missing out on this important and simple check.  Make a point to have your blood pressure checked routinely by a doctor or a nurse.  Some senior centers and pharmacies offer free monthly blood pressure checks.  Take advantage of these resources.
• Colon Cancer Screening.  There are a few exams that are recommended to screen for colon cancer.  These include a rectal exam and fecal occult blood test, a sigmoidoscopy or a colonoscopy.  After having a discussion with you, your physician will decide which one is right for you.
• Breast Exam.  A yearly physical will include a breast exam, and if you are over the age of 40, your doctor will likely recommend a mammogram. As women age, the risk of breast cancer increases so it's very important to keep up with self breast exams, and yearly checks by your doctor.
• Eye Exam.  Because macular degeneration and glaucoma are serious threats as we age, see your eye doctor every one to two years once you reach the age of 65.  Your eye health is also important.
• Hearing Loss.  Because so many Americans (30%) over the age of 60 suffer from hearing loss, don't hesitate to have your hearing checked.  Nowadays, hearing aids are virtually undetectable, and can restore hearing and prevent social isolation.
• Cholesterol.  Because unhealthy cholesterol levels are a major contributor to heart disease and stroke, it's vital to have a cholesterol screening done routinely.  Again, many pharmacies and communities offer health fairs where cholesterol screenings are a popular offering.
• Diabetes.  Diabetes can be a life threatening condition so have a fasting blood sugar test done by your physician at least once every three years to catch and manage the effects of diabetes.
• Skin Cancer.  A lifetime of exposure to the sun can leave our skin susceptible to skin cancers.  Do a routine exam of your skin looking for new moles, or changes in mole color, size or border irregularities.

Looking at the above recommended screenings, I know that my father wouldn't hesitate to willingly schedule any of these.  He's been through a few medical crises, and knows that his health depends on close monitoring by his physicians. These exams only require an hour or two of our time, and are extremely important for our health and wellness as we age.   Along with screenings such as blood pressure and cholesterol checks, we should also practice good health measures in our daily life by maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular exercise and eating a heart healthy diet.  Encourage your loved ones to keep up with their health and schedule a doctor's visit yearly on their birthday.  As I recently read, these medical screenings are the gift that keep on giving for years to come, and the benefits may just save your life!

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