Page 14 - TR RVO Extra 2020

14SS SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2020 ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE THREE RIVERS AND RIVER VALLEY & OZARK EDITIONS OF THE ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE • EXTRA
HEALTH
Why routine
checkups
are vital to overall health
Regular visits with a medical professional are an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Too often, people visit the doctor only when they are ill, as they may not realize just how essential well visits and physical exams are.
Routine checkups are the smartest way for people in all age groups to stay on top of their health, but checkups can be especially valuable for those ages 50 and older. Regular checkups enable physicians to check current health against past visits, ensuring that any anomalies can be investigated and treated efficiently and promptly. This can make the difference in slowing down the progression of a disease that has already developed or prevent something from becoming a full-fledged issue.
The Mayo Clinic states that there are no hard and fast rules about how often seniors should visit health care providers. Those who are generally in good health may only require one medical checkup a year. At this point,
WILL,
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only a few dollars. These forms are generally comprehensive and can help you answer all the questions and write in specifics.
• Have you selected a trusted person to carry out wishes? A health care proxy, according to the American Bar Association, is a person appointed by you
vital signs will be checked, medications reviewed and lifestyle topics discussed. Doctors may even recommend or discuss tests. Patients can also bring up any issues they may be experiencing, however insignificant they may seem. Anything from sleep disturbances to memory loss to unexplained fatigue or pain can be addressed. Sometimes getting everything out in the open and being reassured that there’s nothing to worry about can be helpful.
General-care and geriatric doctors are adept at asking questions to get a sense of how patients are faring in the world. This may include topics that seemingly have no relevance to health but can be quite important. A provider may ask about topics such as bathing or dressing. Questions about social interaction or typical routines can paint a better picture of a patient’s physical and mental health.
SEE CHECKUP, PAGE 16
with the authority to make decisions for you if you are unable to express your preferences for medical treatment. Together with the living will, the health care proxy, also called a durable medical power of attorney, can fulfill your wishes accordingly.
“The best way to approach estate planning and elder law is to discuss your goals with the right attorney. Before
Routine checkups are the smartest way for people in all age groups to stay on top of their health, but checkups can be especially valuable for those ages 50 and older.
meeting with an attorney, write down questions or concerns you have about planning,” McClelland said. “Because no two families are alike, it is important to find an attorney who will compassionately listen to your concerns and communicate in a way you can understand. Today, many doctors specialize in areas such as the heart (cardiologists) or cancer (oncologists). The legal profession is
slowly moving toward specialization. Be sure to find the right attorney who focuses on your specific needs.”
A living will can be an important component of medical and estate planning.
— Courtesy of Metro Creative, with contributions by Cody Graves, creative services writer