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7 important preventive measure for older people.

As we get elderly Homecare patients, here is a 7 important areas of focus to Tabibi Patients 

●Get all the right vaccines – Vaccines are shots that help protect you from certain diseases. They help prevent infections such as the flu and pneumonia. If you are 65 or older, you should get:

• The flu vaccine once a year
• A pneumonia vaccine – Some people might need 2 vaccines for this.
• The shingles vaccine once
• A tetanus-diphtheria (Td) vaccine booster, probably once every 10 years.

●Get screened when screening might help –The most well-known screening tests are the ones that check for cancer, but other screening tests also exist.

• All people aged 65 and older should ask their doctor which forms of cancer screening. As you get older, some screening tests might no longer be needed. If your doctor suggests that you no longer need a screening test, such as a Pap test, mammogram, or colon cancer test, this does not mean that they think you are too old to care about.
• Men should get screened for a condition called "abdominal aortic aneurysm" once between the ages of 65 and 75 if they have ever smoked or have a close relative who died from or needed surgery for an abdominal aneurysm. This condition is a swelling of the main blood vessel that feeds the lower half of the body.
• Women age 65 and older should get screened for osteoporosis (a bone thinning disorder).

●Take medicines that can prevent problems – Some people need to take medicines to keep from having heart attacks, strokes, or other problems. For example, many people in this age group also take calcium and vitamin D to reduce the risk of breaking a bone.

●Take care to avoid falling – Here are some things that might help:

• Make sure that all walkways in your home are well-lit, and clear of clutter, electrical cords, and loose rugs. Tuck electric cords out of the way and secure them to the wall or floor. Check that your loose rugs have nonskid backing, so they won't slip.
• Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes.
• Try to stay active, because people who do some form of exercise are less likely to fall than people who don't.
• Review the medicines you take with your doctor. Some medicines, such as sleeping pills, can increase your risk of falling and can be unsafe to use as you get older.

●Talk to your doctor or nurse if you have trouble controlling your bladder or bowels – Not being able to control your bladder or bowels is called being "incontinent." If you have this problem, don't be embarrassed to bring it up at the doctor's office. Many treatments are available.

●Keep an up-to-date medicine list – Always bring your medicine list with you when you see the doctor or nurse.

●Stay socially connected – Social connection is important to good health. Let your doctor or nurse know if you spend almost all your time alone. They can help you find ways to meet new people and become involved in new activities.