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Specializing in Compounding For: • Veterinary Prescriptions • Hormones for Men & Women • Autoimmune Diseases • Mast Cell Activation • Allergy Tolerable Doses Voted Best Pharmacy By Press Banner 2020, 2021, 2022 In collaboration with Hydration Hookup With cold and flu season upon us, it's time to protect yourself, not only from those season- al threats, but also from other health risks. "During the holidays, our lives get very busy with family and friends," said Dr. J.B. Sobel, chief medi- cal officer for Cigna Healthcare's Medicare business. "Before then, please take time to ensure you get the pre- ventive care you need to stay healthy." Preventive care is crit- ical for everybody, but particularly for older adults, and especially in fall when risks can increase, Sobel said. Recommendations vary based on age, gender and health status, but the following are some of the most common for seniors, according to Sobel. Vaccinations There are a number of vaccines older adults need to consider to protect themselves. Flu and pneumonia, for ex- ample, are among some of the most common causes of senior deaths. There is no "one-size- fits-all" approach to vaccination. Timing and frequency vary, de- pending on your health history. Ask your health care provider which vaccines are appropriate for you. • Flu. This vaccine is administered annually, generally before the end of October, and is designed to match the latest circulating flu strains. • Pneumonia. Adminis- tration varies based on health history. If you're 65 or older and you've never had the vaccine before, then you'll likely need two shots, which are administered a year apart. • Shingles. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends two doses of the shingles vaccine for healthy adults aged 50 and older, spaced two to six months apart, to prevent shingles and related complications. • COVID-19. Ask your doctors about current recommenda- tions for prevention of COVID-19 infections. • RSV. Earlier this year, the Federal Drug Ad- ministration approved two separate vaccines to address respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in older adults. RSV, a common respiratory infection, usually causes mild, cold-like symp- toms, but can be more severe in older adults and children. Talk to your doctor about whether you should get an RSV vaccine. Health Screenings The following health screenings are common- ly recommended for older adults. • Mammogram. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women in the United States, accord- ing to the CDC. Every woman is at risk, and risk increases with age. Fortunately, breast can- cer can often be treated successfully when found early. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends women 50 to 74-years-old at aver- age risk get a mammo- gram every two years. • Colorectal screening. Colorectal cancer risk increases with age. Screenings can find pre- cancerous polyps early, so they can be removed before they turn into cancer. The USPSTF recommends colorectal cancer screening for adults age 45 to 75. Though colonoscopy is the most comprehensive test, there are other op- tions you may consider with the help of your provider. • Bone density scan. USPSTF recommends women aged 65 and older, and women 60 and older at increased risk, be routinely screened for osteoporo- sis, a disease in which bones become weak and brittle. Screening may facilitate treatment that helps prevent fractures. • Eye exam. Routine eye exams can identify early signs of eye disease that are more likely as people age. People with diabetes in particular are prone to retinopathy, which leads to vision loss. It's recom- mended that people with diabetes have annual retinal screenings. • Mental health checkup. Many people experience seasonal depression during fall. Mental health is strongly linked to physical health. Talk to your health care provider about both, including your personal and family history. They can con- nect you with additional mental health resources. To prevent unpleasant surprises, Sobel suggests talking with your health care provider, pharma- cist or insurer about preventive care costs. Fortunately, costs are often covered fully by Medicare or Medicare Advantage, he said. The information contained in this article is not intended to be a substitute for profes- sional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical con- dition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen. By Statepoint This Fall, Protect Your Health Jelena Stanojkovic / iStock via Getty Images Plus

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