Ounce of Prevention Is Worth a Pound of Cure
Ounce of Prevention Is Worth a Pound of Cure
By Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV)
4/5/2005
Seniors in West Virginia new to Medicare are eligible for a one-time "Welcome to Medicare" preventive physical exam to help them avoid health problems in their golden years. Seniors new to Medicare can take advantage of the one time physical exam and screening as well as cardiovascular screening and diabetes screening.
Within the first six months of enrolling in Medicare, a senior should make an appointment for their "Welcome to Medicare" screening. During the exam the doctor will give you or order an Electrocardiogram (EKG) and vision test. Your doctor will check to make sure you are up-to-date with your shots. Most important, your doctor will give you advice to help prevent disease, improve your health and stay well.
When you make your appointment ask about Cardiovascular Screening which will check your cholesterol and other blood fat (lipid) levels. High levels of cholesterol can increase your risk for heart disease and stroke. According to the American Heart Association Coronary heart disease is America's No. 1 killer. Stroke is No. 3 and a leading cause of serious disability.
You will also have access to screening for diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association There are 18.2 million people in the United States, or 6.3% of the population, who have diabetes. While an estimated 13 million have been diagnosed with diabetes, unfortunately, 5.2 million people (or nearly one-third) are unaware that they have the disease. Preventive screenings will help catch the disease so it can be treated with the proper medication.
The new health screenings and physical exam will help improve a seniors lifestyle. In addition, the new services will save tax payers dollars because many illnesses are preventable if they are caught early enough. For more information about Medicare seniors can call 1-800- MEDICARE or online at www.medicare.gov.
http://capito.house.gov/press_office/detail-page.aspx?id=22&whichone=column