From the time a baby is born, primary care is essential. Such medical attention is never more important than it is when a person reaches the later years of their life. If you fall into this category or have an aging loved one, do not neglect regular visits to the doctor’s office. If you are struggling with a challenging health condition, your doctor can provide the right treatment. It is helpful to know how a family doctor can address the needs of older patients.
As people age, they become more prone to suffering various ailments and having health concerns. Family doctors play a crucial role in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of health conditions. These include issues that affect all parts of the body. A family doctor may refer older patients to physicians who focus on geriatric care or specific diseases.
Older patients should be especially vigilant about seeing a primary care doctor. For example, once over age 65, a patient should have yearly cholesterol screenings. Women age 50 and over should have a mammogram every one to three years. Also, women over age 65 should have regular bone density tests. Other frequent screenings for adults include high blood pressure, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.
As the body succumbs to age, patients should be diligent about going to a primary care doctor for annual physicals. At these visits, the doctor will check the person’s vital signs. The older patient should also expect screenings for poor eyesight and respiratory problems. The doctor will also check for muscular and skeletal issues.
Certain habits early in life might not affect a person the same way they will in later years. Geriatric patients should be particularly mindful about maintaining a good diet and staying active. A primary care doctor can monitor older patients and ensure that these habits are occurring. If necessary, the doctor may implement a plan for healthy eating or cessation of certain habits such as smoking.
Primary care services can address treatment needs for many conditions that older patients struggle with. This may include medication, surgery, or improvements in diet and activity levels. The type of treatment the doctor prescribes will vary from person to person. The severity of the issue and the patient’s health history will determine the doctor’s plan.
A primary care physician can address older patients’ general health. However, in some situations, other doctors might more effectively diagnose or treat the conditions. The family doctor may refer the geriatric patient to a doctor that focuses on care for older people. Or, the family physician could enlist the help of others in monitoring the progress of the patient.
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To live a longer, healthier life, you should involve your primary care doctor. Your family doctor will help to ensure you have the tools to achieve your goals of healthy living. Commit to keeping on top of appointments. You can then have more peace of mind.
Request an appointment or call Orange County House Calls at 949-204-1334 for an appointment in our Aliso Viejo office.
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