While we all know this, we don’t always follow it.  Unfortunately, neither do our parents.  Not only do heathy people experience a better quality of life, they are also easier to care for.For people over 65 years of age there are eight indicators that signal the appropriate amount of prevention is occurring.  Those are:

• Two vaccinations for influenza and pneumococcal disease
• Breast cancer screening
• Colorectal cancer screening
• Diabetes screening
• Lipid disorders screening
• Osteoporosis screening
• Counseling for smoking cessation

There are also seven recommended services:

• Alcohol misuse screening and counseling
• Aspirin use
• Blood pressure screening
• Cervical cancer screening
• Depression screening
• Obesity screening and counseling
• Zoster vaccination (shingles prevention)

Monitor your parents’ doctors appointments to be sure these tests and services are occuring at the frequencies recommended for their health status.  And if you are over 65, be sure you are also receiving the recommended tests and services.  Not only will staying healthy improve your quality of life, but being healthy is really the only way you will be able to provide care to your parents.