HHS HealthBeat (September 22, 2008)

Aging wisdom

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I’m Rand Gardner with HHS HealthBeat.

How can we stay healthy as we age? New health checklists can help people 50 and older start a conversation with their doctors about preventive health care. This includes screening tests that may find disease early when it’s easier to treat, and taking medication. The checklists, created by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality in partnership with AARP, are easy to carry with you to your next appointment.

Dr. Janice Genevro,a researcher working with the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force:

Taking good care of yourself is important regardless of your age, but there are some diseases and conditions that you should pay special attention to as you get older. You can talk with your doctor about all of the things you can do to get healthy and stay healthy, including having the screening tests that are right for you. (15 seconds)

Learn more at hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I’m Rand Gardner.

Last revised: September, 22 2008