Taking Care of You: A Guide to Preventive Care
You’ve probably heard that it’s important to see your provider once a year for a check-up, but do you know why? These visits are part of something called preventive care. Preventive care means doing things now to stay healthy later. It includes screenings like mammograms, bone scans (DEXA), and colonoscopies, along with discussing vaccines and healthy habits.
Staying on top of preventive care helps you and your provider catch problems early, when they’re easier to treat. But the benefits go beyond just avoiding illness. In fact, preventive care can help women over 60 live longer, stay independent, and feel better every day. That’s why staying on top of preventive care is so important.
Why It Matters:
Let’s take a closer look at why preventive care matters for women as they age.
Women Live Longer, So Preventive Care Matters More
Women tend to live longer than men, but they’re more likely to deal with chronic illnesses like osteoporosis, arthritis, and dementia. Preventive care helps women stay healthier as they age, so they can keep doing the things they love.
Bone Loss Affects Women More Than Men
After menopause, women lose bone strength faster. One in two women over 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. A bone density scan can help catch this early and prevent fractures.
Heart Disease is the #1 Cause of Death for Women
Heart disease isn’t just a men’s issue. It’s actually the leading cause of death in women. But 90% of women have at least one risk factor that can be treated early, like high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
Women Are More Likely to Be Caregivers, But Often Skip Their Own Care
Many women over 60 care for others, like spouses, grandkids, or aging parents. This can cause them to delay their own check-ups and screenings, even though they’re just as important.
Breast and Cervical Cancer Can Still Happen After 60
Even after years of good health, older women can still get breast and cervical cancer. Screenings like mammograms and pelvic exams help find these cancers early when they are easier to treat.
Women Are at Higher Risk for Dementia—Early Checks Help
Nearly two-thirds of people with Alzheimer’s are women. Memory checks during annual wellness visits help catch early signs so women and their families can plan ahead.
Catching health concerns early, like memory changes or high blood pressure, can make a big difference in how well they’re treated. One of the best ways to stay ahead is by keeping up with regular screenings and vaccines. They help you and your provider find issues early, often before you notice symptoms.
Here’s what’s recommended:
Recommended Screenings:
• Mammogram - Checks for breast cancer early when it’s easier to treat. Breast cancer risk goes up with age.
• Bone Density Scan (DEXA) - Finds weak bones before they break. Women lose bone strength faster after menopause.
• Colonoscopy or Stool Test - Looks for colon cancer or growths before symptoms appear. Colon cancer risk increases with age.
• Blood Pressure Check - High blood pressure can cause heart attacks or strokes. It often has no symptoms.
• Cholesterol and Diabetes Screening - High cholesterol and diabetes raise heart disease risk. These tests help catch problems early.
Recommended Immunizations:
The following immunizations may be recommended, depending on your personal health history and circumstances:
Flu Shot
Protects you from influenza, a respiratory virus, which can be very serious for older adults. It lowers your risk of hospital stays.
Shingles Vaccine
Prevents shingles, a painful rash that can cause long-lasting nerve pain.
Pneumonia Vaccine
Helps stop pneumonia, a serious lung infection that is more common as we age.
Tetanus Booster
Protects against tetanus from cuts or wounds. Needed every 10 years.
COVID-19 Vaccine
Keeps you safer from severe illness and hospital stays caused by COVID.
RSV Vaccine
Protects against respiratory syncytial virus, which can cause lung infections in older adults.
Tdap Vaccine
Protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough. Adults need a booster every 10 years to stay protected.
One of the best times to review your screenings and immunizations is during your Annual Wellness Visit or yearly physical. These visits are key to staying on top of your preventive care.
What’s the Difference Between an Annual Wellness Visit and a Physical?
Both an Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) and a routine physical are important for staying healthy, but they do different things.
Annual Wellness Visit (AWV)
Who: Anyone with Medicare
When: Once a year. Extra tests might have a cost.
Why: To catch problems early and build a plan to stay healthy
What: Focuses on preventing future health problems. Your provider will:
• Go over your health and family history
• Review your current medications and conditions
• Take basic measurements like your height, weight, and blood pressure
• Use a tool called a Health Risk Assessment to create a personalized plan
• Talk with you about memory, mood, fall risk, and preventive needs like cancer screenings and vaccines
• Provide a physical exam as part of the visit (at Herself Health)
Note: The physical exam is included in the AWV at Herself Health. If you don’t have Medicare and have commercial insurance, it’s important to schedule a yearly routine physical to stay on top of your health.
Routine Physical
Routine Physical
Who: Anyone
When: Once a year, usually covered by insurance. Some extra tests may cost more.
Why: To check in on how your body is doing right now and treat any issues
What: Focuses on your current health. Your provider will:
• Do a full head-to-toe exam
• Talk about any health concerns
• Take measurements and may order labs or give referrals
Both visits matter.
The AWV helps with long-term planning, while a physical helps you manage today’s health needs. Together, they’rea strong foundation for staying healthy as you age.
Local Resources
Fitness classes:
Local YMCA Programs offering yoga and tai chi.
Community Wellness Center with strength-training classes tailored to seniors.
Did you know:
• The flu shot may reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke. Studies show that getting a flu vaccine can lower your risk of a cardiac event, such as heart attack and stroke, by up to 36%.
• COVID-19 vaccines can help protect your brain. New research suggests that vaccination may lower the risk of developing long COVID symptoms like “brain fog” to just 3.5%.
That’s why we’re making it easy to stay protected by offering flu and COVID shots right at our clinics.
Final Thoughts
Staying on top of screenings, immunizations, and regular appointments with your provider can catch health issues early and keep you feeling your best. Use your Annual Wellness Visit or physical as a chance to check in. Call (888) 290-1209 to schedule yours and take the next step in protecting your health.
Schedule a visit with your provider to start the conversation and take charge of your health. Call us at 888-290-1209.