Bringing in 2023: A Healthier New You
Last modified: Friday, December 30, 2022
The New Year is upon us, and the start of 2023 is a great time to reflect on a variety of topics. Your health is likely to be at the forefront of kicking 2023 off in the right direction, and Flagship Health is here to help support you with your health, social, and wellness goals.
With Veteran Leadership and Veteran Providers, Flagship Health is uniquely positioned to support the healthcare needs of the senior veteran community. Our providers, having served in the military themselves, understand the health topics that may stem from the unique challenges with working conditions that come with military life – both for veterans and their families.
Veterans More Likely to Have Multiple Chronic Conditions
A 2021 study from the Department of Health and Human Services showed that veterans are more likely to develop multiple chronic conditions compared with the nonveteran population. These chronic conditions include hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes, among others. Flagship Health understands these challenges that veterans face and provides comprehensive care to treat and prevent these types of conditions.
What You Can Do to Take Control of Your Health
There are several things seniors can do to stay healthy in 2023, including getting the appropriate health screenings to stay on top of your health. We have compiled a list of these screenings, in addition to some tips to live happy and healthy in 2023. As a provider of comprehensive primary care services for Medicare-eligible and 60 and above veterans, their spouses, and supporters of the military community, Flagship Health can schedule any of these screenings or vaccinations today.
1. Blood pressure screening. According to the CDC, an estimated 70% of adults 65 and older have some form of hypertension. Symptoms of hypertension can go unnoticed if regular screenings are not performed, possibly leading to more serious illnesses like heart disease, kidney disease, and stroke.
2. Diabetes screenings. Diabetes screenings are important to assess your risk for diabetes. Diabetes is often a manageable condition if detected and treated properly, so being proactive with this screening is important.
3. Depression screening. Feeling overwhelmed or stressed out from the holidays? Not finding the energy to do the things you enjoy? Depression can affect anyone at any age, and regular mental and behavioral health screenings are important to ensure you are getting the proper support to take care of yourself: physically, mentally, and emotionally.
4. Stay updated on vaccinations. Work with your healthcare provider to identify those vaccinations that are current and those that you will need to stay current. Staying up-to-date on your vaccinations can help reduce the risk of serious illnesses, which may affect seniors more severely.
5. Be active. Whether you are training for a marathon or walking a couple blocks in your neighborhood, it is important to get your steps in and stay active. Exercise has been proven to be a releaser of endorphins, which provide you with more energy and focus so you can be the best version of you!
6. Stay connected. Whether it is with your friends or family, make the effort to stay connected. Flagship Health provides an opportunity for senior veterans, their spouses, and military community supporters to have a built-in social network. Our primary clinic is open and we are working to create a gathering space for a cup of coffee, a game of shuffleboard, or just to catch up with old (or new) friends. Additionally, our mobile clinic will be located at various American Legion and VFW posts throughout the next two months.
Are you interested in a healthier 2023? Give us a call or reach out today, and we can get you scheduled for the screenings outlined above, talk about your benefits, or schedule an initial appointment. Many health screenings are covered by Medicare and most insurances as preventative coverage, and we are glad to help you with any questions you may have.
*The screenings listed in this blog are not meant to be exhaustive of all screenings an individual should receive. Always discuss the services most appropriate for your individual care with your doctor.