We all want to stay looking and feeling great, long into our senior years. There are steps we can all take to make sure we arrive to these years with our health and vitality still intact. The two main kinds of preventative healthcare are pre-emptive and cosmetic.
Pre-Emptive Doctor's Visits
When you are healthy at the current time, but still see a doctor for various reasons, this is known as pre-emptive healthcare. This form of preventative healthcare includes many things, the most common of which is the yearly physical. In a physical, a healthy person will have their weight and blood pressure checked, and blood tests will often be done to determine cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Though you feel fine now, if you have any problems with these things you may have a problem later. Other types include mammograms for women and prostate exams for men (both recommended after age 40), and colonoscopies for all people over the age of 50. Women should have yearly gynecological appointments to check for signs of uterine, ovarian, cervical, and breast cancers. Pre-emptive doctor's visits are a good idea for anybody who wants to make sure that they stay healthy.
Cosmetic Services
Of course, another aspect of aging is the change in your outside appearance, as well as your internal anatomy. However, there are preventative measures that can be taken to make your skin look younger even as you age. The first key is to start a good regimen young—always wear a moisturizer that contains sunscreen, and make sure to wash your face every night with a product that doesn't dry out your skin. Vitamins A, D, and E are particularly good for your skin, so you should consider taking supplements as well. If laugh lines and crow's feet are already there, you can try non-invasive techniques, such as Juvederm and Botox, to smooth out your face. Just remember though, that these measures won't last forever. True health on the inside is the best way to achieve health on the outside.
Preventative healthcare is important for us all. Make sure you find a trustworthy and experienced doctor to help you with all your medical needs. And don't wait until it's too late—start taking your health seriously today.