A Trusted Partner in Lifelong Health

By Emily King

As we begin to age, our health care needs can start to change. Men and women in their 50s and 60s may start to see natural signs of aging, such as loss of muscle mass, cognitive changes, and mobility issues. At this stage of life, preventive care becomes increasingly important. 

Aging is inevitable, but paying attention to health changes can help slow the process and keep you independent for longer. Your greatest partner for staying healthy and strong is a primary care provider who knows your health history and can monitor and address ongoing or emerging health issues. A strong relationship with a trusted PCP can help maintain optimal function and independence for years to come. 

If you are seeking a new PCP, the office of Grob, Scheri, Woodburn, and Griffin of Genesis Medical Associates is a great place to establish care. The physicians at this Wexford primary care practice are committed to addressing individual health care needs and promoting lifelong wellness.

The best time to establish care with a PCP is before problems arise. Your doctor can establish a baseline picture of your health, making it easier to recognize changes in blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, and other important indicators over time. 

Though everyone’s health picture is different, there are some changes that become more common after the age of 55:

• Bone and joint conditions

• Changes in cardiovascular health

• Joint pain and mobility issues

• Metabolic changes

The first line of defense against these common health issues is prevention. Your doctor can work with you to help establish healthy habits that can help keep you healthier for longer. The most important health management strategies include consistent movement, maintaining healthy weight with good nutrition, early detection with screenings, and lifestyle adjustments. 

It’s a common misconception that doctor visits are only needed when you’re sick. In fact, many conditions can develop without any obvious symptoms. Preventive care visits allow doctors to track trends in blood pressure, monitor cholesterol, and identify any early warning signs of disease. Taking a preventive, rather than reactive, approach to your health can lead to early detection and intervention.

As we age, one of the most important relationships we will develop is that with a PCP. Like any important relationship, it must be built on trust and communication. Managing a variety of health care concerns and specialists can be confusing, but your PCP can serve as a central coordination point, following up with your other doctors and keeping test results and care plans all in one place. Patients with an established PCP experience better health outcomes, including lower mortality rates, fewer hospitalizations, and improved management of chronic conditions.

Many families choose to entrust their care with the same physician or practice. When multiple generations of a family are treated by the same providers, they can gain unique insights into family history, hereditary conditions, and shared lifestyle behaviors. 

An important function of primary care is preventive care and screening. As patients age, regular screenings become even more important. Genesis Medical physicians recommend regular mammograms, colonoscopies, prostate cancer screening, and lung cancer screening for qualifying patients. Your doctor may also recommend bone density testing and cardiovascular screening. 

You can also discuss the benefits of vaccines, which are available for the flu, shingles and pneumonia. As we age, complications from these viruses can become life-threatening, but prevention and vaccination can help protect our health.

With a trusted PCP, managing chronic conditions can help you maintain your quality of life for longer. Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes and arthritis can be managed with small, actionable steps. A balance of lifestyle changes and medication can help you feel in control of your health. Small improvements can lead to long-term success.

As we age, many of us will need medications to help manage chronic conditions. Your PCP will help manage your medications by reviewing and adjusting dosages, checking for dangerous interactions, and managing side effects, including medications prescribed by specialists. At Grob, Scheri, Woodburn & Griffin, clinical pharmacists and chronic care nurses are on hand to help patients navigate multiple prescriptions and avoid complications. Genesis Medical emphasizes team-based care to provide the best possible outcomes for their patients.

Above all, healthy lifestyle habits are key for maintaining your health and independence. The physicians at Genesis Medical recommend consistent daily movement and an “earth-based” diet to support brain and heart health long term. Maintaining strong social connections can help boost mental health, which is inextricably linked to greater physical health. Your PCP can help guide you in making beneficial lifestyle choices that support your long-term health.

Aging does not have to equate to declining health. By taking advantage of advanced screening tools and preventive care, men and women are experiencing better quality of life and maintaining their independence longer. Establishing care with a PCP creates a strong foundation for long-term health. Grob, Scheri, Woodburn & Griffin Family Medicine can help set you on the right path for many more years of living life to the fullest.