Seniors: Discuss immunizations and screenings with your doctor By Loretta Kaes It's probably not at the top of your todo list,but if you're a senior citizen, it is important to get the proper immunizations to prevent diseases,as well as a full schedule of tests to screen for the presence of diseases.Prevention at any age,of course, is the first line of defense in the battle for good health.As we know, identifying and dealing with a problem in the early stages can minimize or avoid serious consequences. Influenza, for example,can be very serious for older adults,yet every year many wait until they hear alarming news reports before thinking of getting a flu shot. In many years,waiting to the last minute to get vaccinated meant that shots were difficult to obtain because of short supplies. The good news for this year is that vaccine supplies should be plentiful,but it is still important to get your shot in the fall so you have maximum immunity when flu season peaks. Even if you feel fine, it is still important to see your health-care provider regularly to check for potential problems.Most people who have high blood pressure, for example, don't even know it.The only way to find out if you have hypertension is to have your blood pressure checked regularly. Likewise,high blood sugar and high cholesterol levels often do not produce any symptoms until advanced disease has occurred. A good starting point is with an annual checkup.TheAmerican MedicalAssociation recommends that those over age 50 have a physical once a year.Most doctors do a basic health examination consisting of taking or reviewing your personal and family medical history;measuring your height and weight,checking eyes,ears, nose, throat,abdominal area, swallowing, appetite,digestion,circulation and lungs.A urine specimen is usually taken to test for kidney problems and a blood sample taken to test cholesterol and iron deficiency. The doctor may also ask you to have additional tests such as a chest X-ray or an EKG. However,before you leave the doctor, speak up and become that"squeaky wheel that gets the grease"by insisting that you receive whatever other tests and inoculations are appropriate for your health status and age.TheAARP publishes the following guidelines for immunizations and screening for those over age 50: Men &Women: • dental exam,one to two times per year• eye exam,every two to four years; after age 65,every one to two years • hearing test,every 10 years. • skin exam,every year. • diabetes screen,every three years; after age 65,every one to two years. • cholesterol test, if normal,have it rechecked every three to five years; if elevated or high,have it rechecked on your doctor's recommended frequency • blood pressure,at least every two years • colorectal cancer screening,every five-10 years; fecal blood test every year; sigmoidoscopy every five years; colonoscopy every five years • tetanus-diphtheria,booster vaccination every 10 years • flu vaccine,every year past age of 50 • pneumonia vaccine, inoculation at age 65,or booster for those who had shot before 65. • shingles, after age 60, one-time shot Women: • mammogram, every one to two years • pelvic exam, every one to three years; less frequently over age 65 if negative on previous screens • Pap test, every one to three years Men: • prostate cancer checks; guidelines vary - discuss with your doctor If you have recently enrolled for Medicare Part B, you are entitled to a free preventative physical exam, but you must take advantage within the first six months of enrolling and you are only allowed to have it once. It's a very thorough examination and provides most of the immunizations and tests that you should have. It is important that you become an active partner with your doctor or nurse to decide when you need your screenings and immunizations and to make sure you get everything you need. Share your family history, speak up, voice your concerns, and ask questions. You owe it to yourself. Loretta Kaes, a registered nurse with certification in gerontology, is vice president, health services at Chelsea Senior Living LLC. Chelsea is based in Summit, and operates senior living communities in East Brunswick, Manalapan, Tinton Falls and five other locations. For more information, call (908) 522-0808, or visit the Web site at www.chelseasseniorliving. com.