get checked as soon as possible. Additionally, studies show that colon cancer outcomes are much better when it’s detected early.
7. Vaccinations
While most people get all their vaccinations by the age of 18, that doesn’t mean you never need any more. After consulting with your doctor, you might need to take vaccinations for the flu, pneumonia, tetanus, and Hepatitis A. Older adults may also need to take the Herpes Zoster vaccine, which is aimed at chickenpox or shingles.
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8. A Dermatological Exam
Skin cancers are known to develop at a later age and spread quickly. Your best bet for staying healthy is catching it quickly. It’s especially important for Blacks because the signs of skin cancer can be different for people with darker skin. Studies also show that the disease isn’t always easily diagnosed in Black people.
9. A Dental Exam
As you age, you usually produce less saliva. This directly affects the health of your teeth and gums, which can be assessed by a dentist. Not only will you learn about what’s going on, but you’ll also get recommendations for taking care of your dental health moving forward.
10. An STI Screening
It’s tempting to think that STI screenings are for younger people but studies show an increasing number of older adults are being diagnosed with STIs. It can be a combination of becoming active again after a little time and having an STI like chlamydia that doesn’t always have symptoms. In either case, it’s best to get checked.
Bear in mind that this list isn’t exhaustive by any means. That’s why it’s a good idea to have a thorough general check-up first. After learning your medical history and receiving your test results, they’ll be able to recommend the way forward.