Introduction to Staying Fit & healthy at 50+

About This Guide

This guide describes ways that people aged 50 and older can stay healthy. It gives information on:

• Living habits that have been proven to help prevent certain diseases and conditions. 
• Screening tests to catch conditions or diseases early, when they can be treated more easily. 
• Immunizations (shots) that have been proven to be effective in preventing diseases. 

To order print copies of this guide, call the Publications Clearinghouse at 1-800-358-9295. 

The recommendations in this guide are based on research reviewed by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a panel of private sector health experts convened by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ, formerly the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research). 

How This Guide Is Organized

This guide:

• Explains why adopting certain healthy habits, such as eating right, can help you. It also explains why you should get certain screening tests or checkups. 
• Suggests how you can improve your health habits. It also recommends how often you need certain screening tests, checkups, or shots. 
• Presents questions to ask your doctor. 
• Provides charts for keeping track of your health care. 
• Lists organizations that give more health information. 

How To Take Part in Staying Healthy

This booklet will help guide you in working with your doctor, nurse, or other health professional to stay healthy. It gives you guidelines for how often you may need a specific screening test or exam. But because people have different needs, you need to work with your doctor to discuss which screening tests and shots are right for you and when you need them. That is why many sections in this booklet suggest you ask your doctor questions. For example, women aged 50 and older should have a mammogram every 1-2 years. But if your mother or sister had breast cancer, you may need a mammogram more often.

In addition to asking your doctor when you need a certain test, you should ask such questions as:

• Why do I need this test? 
• How will I benefit from this test? 
• Should I have the test done again? If so, why and when? 

Side Bar
Some, but not all, of the information in this guide will be new to you. 

For example, you probably know you should not smoke. You also probably know you should be physically active. But many people like to be reminded to do the right thing, and you may be surprised to learn about diseases that could be prevented if you adopt these behaviors.

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