Maintaining Your Health, Strength & Independence
Annual Wellness Visits
Why does your healthcare provider recommend scheduling an Annual Wellness visit?
Staying healthier longer
Prevention is the best medicine. Your annual wellness visit emphasizes preventing common health problems through early detection and proactive measures for a healthier future.
Personalizing your care
You’re unique with your own family history and life experiences. Our Annual Wellness visit tailors a personalized healthcare plan based on your individual risks, preferences, and needs.
Lowering healthcare costs
An annual Wellness visit is covered and has no co-pay, offering a valuable return on investment. Prevention saves you from expensive treatments for illnesses or chronic diseases. The income saved through prevention can enhance your quality of life as you deserve.
Difficult Discussions: Fall Prevention
Every second of every day an older adult falls, causing injuries, loss of independence and even death.
Who You Should Tell
Your Healthcare Provider
- Report recent falls to your provider
- Inquire about suitable footwear
- Consider a referral to a foot specialist
Your Pharmacist
- Certain medications may induce drowsiness, dizziness or lower blood pressure, increasing the risk of falls
Your Eye Doctor
- Have your eyes checked annually
- Updating your glasses may be recommended
Preventing Falls at Home
- Ensure front steps are stable and sidewalks are level
- Keep floors clear of clutter by removing small rugs or securing them with tape
- Install grab bars in the tub or shower, as well as near the toilet
- Install handrails and adequate lighting on all staircases
- Ensure your home is well-lit to improve visibility and reduce the risk of falls
Awkward Discussions: Incontinence
Incontinence is often an uncomfortable topic, even avoided with healthcare providers. However, it’s important to understand the various types and causes, as aging isn’t always linked to incontinence.
Managing Incontinence
- Pelvic floor exercises
- Set a bathroom schedule
- Limit bladder irritants, like caffeine and alcohol, especially in the evening
- Increase fluids in the morning and limit them a few hours before bed
Your healthcare provider can offer tailored solutions for various types of incontinence. A sudden change from continence to incontinence may indicate a severe urinary infection. Promptly inform your healthcare provider about such changes.
Motivating Discussions: Exercise
The best way to decrease a fall risk and stay healthy, strong and independent is to commit to physical activity.
Keep Walking
- A brisk 30 minute walk, 5 times a week (150 minutes)
- 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity (hiking, jogging or running)
Build Strength
- Muscle strengthening activities 2 days a week (lifting weights, working with resistance bands, climbing stairs, hill walking, cycling, etc.)
Improve Your Balance
- Balance improving activities 3 times a week (walking, biking, and climbing stairs)
Other Online Resources:
- Cardio Exercise for Older Adults
- Sit and Be Fit
- CDC: How much physical activity do older adults need?