Check-ups and consultations
Health screenings for seniors: which tests matter as you age
Health screenings for seniors help your doctor notice changes early, and you can have the common tests at our Marulas branch in Valenzuela. The right tests depend on age, sex, health history, medicines and symptoms, so more tests are not always better.
In short
- Doctors often check blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, CBC and kidney function.
- The right tests, and how often, depend on your age, health and medicines.
- An abnormal screening result is not a diagnosis. Your doctor may order more tests.
Tests doctors often consider
- Blood pressure. High blood pressure often has no symptoms, so regular checks matter.
- Blood sugar. Fasting blood sugar or HbA1c can show prediabetes or diabetes.
- Cholesterol. A lipid profile helps your doctor judge your heart risk.
- CBC. Can show anemia and other blood problems behind tiredness or weakness.
- Kidney function. Creatinine, BUN and urinalysis, especially with diabetes or high blood pressure.
Your doctor may also advise osteoporosis screening for women aged 65 and older (U.S. Preventive Services Task Force) and colorectal cancer screening from age 45 for people at average risk (U.S. CDC). Vision, hearing, mood and memory are worth checking too.
Screening test or diagnostic test?
A screening test looks for problems in people who feel well; a diagnostic test checks symptoms or an abnormal screening result. If a screening result is abnormal, your doctor may order more tests to find out what it means.
How often to get checked
There is no single schedule; it depends on age, existing conditions, past results, medicines and risk factors. People with diabetes, high blood pressure or kidney disease usually need more frequent checks.
Before the checkup
- Ask which tests you will have and whether fasting is needed.
- Bring a list of medicines and supplements.
- Bring earlier results so the doctor can compare.
Do not wait for the next checkup
See a doctor if you notice unexplained weight loss, lasting tiredness, changes in bowel or bladder habits, blood in the stool or urine, repeated dizziness or fainting, or new trouble with memory or daily tasks.
Checkups for seniors at Sunrise
Our geriatrician holds clinic at Marulas; see the doctor schedules for this week’s hours. You can also read about our annual physical exam and laboratory tests.
Tests mentioned in this article
This article is general information and does not replace advice from your own doctor.
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Call before you come, or just walk in
Our front desk can tell you if your test needs fasting, which doctor is in today, and what your HMO covers.