ROCKVILLE, MD.-- May is Older Americans Month, and it's a good time for all Americans over the age of 50 to take a look at their health habits and review their health risks with their doctor. It's also a good time to make sure to get necessary screening tests and exams.
A booklet prepared by the federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), AARP, and the federal Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) called Staying Healthy at 50+ offers tips and recommendations on health habits, screening tests, and immunizations. It includes easy-to-use charts that can help keep track of personal health information, suggests questions to ask health care providers, and offers resources to contact for additional health information.
The health information in Staying Healthy at 50+ comes from the evidence-based recommendations of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, an independent panel of experts that evaluates and reports on the scientific evidence for many preventive services.
Topics in the booklet include osteoporosis, vision problems, hearing loss, menopause, pneumococcal and flu vaccines, blood pressure, diabetes, depression, and tobacco use.
Copies of the booklet Staying Healthy at 50+ (in English and Spanish) are available from the AHRQ Publications Clearinghouse by calling 1-800-358-9295 or e-mailing ahrqpubs@ahrq.gov.
