Preventative Health

Hot Springs, Ark. – What are preventative services?  Preventative services are important for everyone, but especially for older adults.  This is because your risk for developing health problems increases as you age.  You can prevent health problems or detect them early on if you see your doctor regularly.  Your doctor can provide screening tests, vaccinations, and health advice that is appropriate for your age, gender, medical history, and family history.  Here is a list of the preventative services that are especially important:

Influenza Vaccine (Flu Shot):  This vaccine can help prevent you from catching the flu and you should get it every year because flu strains change.  About 85% of all deaths from the flu are in adults 65 years of age or older.

• Pneumococcal Vaccine (Pneumonia Shot):  The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV) can help prevent pneumonia.  For those who already have pneumonia, it can help prevent life-threatening complications.  This is especially true for older adults because they are more likely to actually get pneumonia and develop complications.
• Breast Cancer Screening (Mammogram):  Almost half of all new breast cancer cases are in adult women 65 years of age or older.  Normal recommendations are for women between the ages of 50 and 74 to have a mammogram every two years.  Depending on your breast cancer risk factors, your doctor may recommend you have a mammogram more often.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening:  2 out of every 3 new colorectal cancer cases are in adults 65 years of age or older.  Starting at age 50, it is recommended you have regular screenings.  Your doctor will recommend the screening test that is appropriate for you.
• Diabetes Screening:  Diabetes is very common in older adults, affecting around 1 out of 4 adults age 60 and older.  Even if you don’t have any symptoms, your doctor may test you for diabetes if your blood pressure is regularly higher than 135/80 mm Hg.
• Cholesterol Screening:  High cholesterol is a risk factor for both heart disease and stroke.  Men 35 years of age and older and women 45 years of age and older should be checked on a regular basis. 
• Osteoporosis Screening (Bone Mass Measurement):  The risk of developing osteoporosis increases as you age.  Women 65 years of age and older should get a bone mass or bone density test.
• Skin Cancer Checks:  There are many warning signs of cancer.  Most can be successfully treated if they are caught early enough.  Check with your doctor to discuss your risk factors and how often you should be checked.
• Prostrate Cancer Screening:  Prostrate cancer is the most common cancer in men and it is recommended that men of all ages have regular screenings.  The main risk factors include your age, family history, and race. 

For more information on preventative health, contact the Garland County Extension Office at 623-6841 or 922-4703, email Jessica at jvincent@uada.edu, visit our website at www.uaex.uada.edu.

EHC Information

Are you interested in joining an existing Extension Homemakers Club? EHC is the largest volunteer organization in the state. For information on EHC call 623-6841 or 922-4703 or email jvincent@uada.edu.

Master Gardeners

If you’re interested in becoming a Master Gardener and would like more information, you’re welcome to attend their monthly meeting on the 3^rd Thursday of each month at 1pm at the Elks Lodge.  You may also call the Extension office on 623-6841 or 922-4703 or email abates@uada.edu.

 4-H Information

We have several 4-H clubs for our Garland county youth who are 5 to 19 years old.  For more information on all the fun 4-H activities there are, call the Extension Office at 623-6841 or 922-4703 or email Linda Bates at lbates@uada.edu.

The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

By Jessica Vincent
County Extension Agent - FCS
The Cooperative Extension Service
U of A System Division of Agriculture

Media Contact: Jessica Vincent
County Extension Agent - FCS
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
236 Woodbine Hot Springs AR 71901
(501) 623-6841
jvincent@uada.edu

The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact your County Extension office (or other appropriate office) as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.

The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.