Preventive Services Case Study

Sources. The information in this fact sheet is based on research findings from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). The USPSTF, supported by AHRQ, is the leading independent panel of experts in prevention and primary care. The fact sheet was developed in partnership with AARP. Put Prevention Into Practice, part of the AHRQ Dissemination and Implementation Program, is designed to increase the appropriate use of clinical preventive services, such as screening tests, preventive medications, and counseling. Based on the recommendations of the USPSTF and Government agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Put Prevention Into Practice tools and resources
Have no more than two drinks a day if you are 65 or younger. If you are older than 65, have no more than one drink a day. A standard drink is one 12-ounce bottle of beer or wine cooler, one 5-ounce glass of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits.

Should You Take Preventive Medicines?
Aspirin. Ask your doctor about taking aspirin to prevent heart disease. Immunizations. You need a flu shot every year. You can prevent other serious diseases, such as pneumonia, whooping cough, and shingles, by being vaccinated. Talk with your doctor or nurse about the vaccines you need and when to get them. You can also find out which immunizations you need by going to http://www2.cdc.gov/nip/adultImmSched/.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality www.ahrq.gov AHRQ Pub. No. 08-IP002-A AARP Pub. No. D19005 May 2008 ISBN No. 978-1-58763-338-6

Screening Tests: What You Need and
If you are between the ages of 65 and 75 and have ever been a smoker, talk to your doctor about being screened. Colorectal Cancer. Have a test for colorectal cancer. Your doctor can help you decide which test is right for you. Depression. Your emotional health is as important as your physical health. If you have felt “down,” sad, or hopeless over the last 2 weeks or have felt little interest or pleasure in doing things, you may be depressed. Talk to your doctor about being screened for depression. Diabetes. Have a blood test for diabetes if you have high blood pressure. High Blood Pressure. Have your blood pressure checked at least every 2 years. High blood pressure is 140/90 or higher. High Cholesterol. Have your cholesterol checked regularly.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (One-Time Test) Colorectal Cancer Diabetes High Blood Pressure High Cholesterol Total: HDL (Good) LDL (Bad) HIV Infection Obesity (BMI) Sexually Transmitted Infections

A Note on Other Conditions. Every body is different. Always feel free to ask your doctor or nurse about being checked for any condition, not just the ones above. If you are worried about diseases such as glaucoma, prostate cancer, or skin cancer, for example, ask your doctor about them. And always tell your doctor about any changes in your health, including your vision and