Take a step forward for yourself and your health.

Prevention is the key
As you get older, your chance of getting certain diseases increases. To help you stay healthy, Medicare pays for many preventive healthcare services. Preventive services are tests and exams that detect a disease early, or prevent it from developing.

Ask your health care provider about these preventive care services covered by Medicare Part B:

• Welcome to Medicare Visit
• Flu and pneumococcal vaccinations
• Colorectal cancer screenings
• Diabetic monitoring and self-management training
• For women: mammograms, Pap smear, clinical breast and pelvic exam
• For men: prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, digital rectal exam
• Bone density measurement to detect osteoporosis
• Heptatitis B vaccination

Preventive Health Tips

Flu and Pneumonia Shots

Between October and March is the best time for you to get your flu and pneumonia shots. These vaccines protect you from contracting influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia, a serious bacterial infection of the lungs that is the most common complication of influenza among older adults.

You need a flu shot every year because flu viruses change annually. Early fall is the best time for a flu shot. Watch for hospitals, health care centers and pharmacies offering free flu shots for older adults. For most adults over age 65, one pneumonia shot every five years provides protection.

Why risk a bout of flu or pneumonia when there's such an easy way to avoid these illnesses? Both shots can be given on the same day, and Medicare Part B will cover the costs if your doctor accepts Medicare assignment.

Click here to download our "Get the Facts on Pneumococcal Disease and Vaccinations" brochure

Heart Health

Heart failure accounts for more hospital admissions than any other diagnosis in patients over age 65. The good news is that actual mortality rates from heart failure have been declining in recent years. Why? Some research points to the growing use of a class of medications called ACE inhibitors, which open up the blood vessels and make it easier for the heart to pump blood.

If you or someone you love is coping with heart disease, see the doctor regularly. Also:

• Discuss medication such as ACE inhibitors and diuretics.
• Talk over your diet and exercise plans-and then follow them!
• Ask about local support programs for heart patients.
• Check your weight frequently and report and sudden weight gains.

Helpful hints when speaking with your healthcare provider
Developing a partnership with your healthcare provider is important.
Here are some tips that may help at your next visit:

1. Come prepared. Make a list of your questions and bring it with you.
2. Speak openly. Let your healthcare provider know if you are not getting what you need.
3. Bring a trusted family member or friend with you. If he/she cannot be in the patient room with you, he/she can give you support before or after your appointment. Review your questions together.
4. If English is not your primary language, ask if you can bring someone who can help you with translation or request translation service from your healthcare provider.
5. Bring a list of all medications and vitamins you are taking.

Try one or all of these helpful hints before your next doctor's visit. It can make a difference.
Click here to download information on being your own best advocate