Keep an eye on your health, because if you catch it on time, the chance of recovery is greatest.
Of course it is important to pay attention to your entire condition, but your blood, weight, bones, breasts, skin, eyes, ears and teeth deserve extra attention. You can read about checking your blood elsewhere on this site, we discuss the other parts below.
Weight
What? Your weight affects health and can also be a gauge of your health.
Why? Being overweight increases the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and joint complaints. A sudden drop in weight can indicate an illness.
How? The combination of height and weight is expressed in the Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is calculated as follows: divide body weight (in kilograms) by the square of your height in meters.
Example: weight 70 kilos; length 1.77 meters.
70 divided by 3.13 (1.77 x 1.77) = 22.3.
A BMI between 20 and 25 is fine, above 25 is considered overweight and above thirty is considered obese.
An even better way to assess your health is your waist size. Ideally, it is less than 80 cm in women, with more than 88 cm there is a greatly increased risk of cardiovascular disease. In men, less than 94 cm is ideal and more than 102 cm is risky. You can find a handy BMI meter at www.voedingscentrum.nl (click on weight – diet – overweight – Body Mass Index).
This measurement method is no longer reliable for people over 70, because the physique often changes. If in doubt, consult your doctor.
Osteoporosis
Why? As you get older, the bones become more brittle due to bone loss (osteoporosis). This increases the risk of bone fractures.
When? A measurement of bone density is useful in elderly people who have broken a bone in a fall or who have suddenly developed severe back pain or have become shorter. Postmenopausal women who lead a sedentary lifestyle, smoke, or are underweight are more likely to suffer fractures as they age. Women and men treated with corticosteroids have a greatly increased risk of osteoporosis.
How? Whether you have osteoporosis can be determined by means of a bone density measurement, a painless radiographic examination.
mammography
Why? To detect breast cancer at the earliest possible stage.
Who? All women between the ages of 50 and 75 receive an invitation every two years to participate in the population screening. In between, it is also wise to regularly examine the breasts for lumps. If you feel anything that worries you, consult your doctor.
How? The mammography is an X-ray of the breasts, on which abnormalities are visible before you can feel them yourself.
Information: www.population research breast cancer.nl
Skin
Why? Skin cancer can be very aggressive (but it certainly isn’t always). You can catch it early by keeping an eye on your skin.
When? Always be alert to changes in the shape, size, or color of moles. If you notice a change, please contact your doctor. Occasionally ask someone close to you to keep an eye on the areas on your back and shoulders that you cannot see well yourself. Not all changes indicate cancer.
How? Check-up by the GP, who will refer you to the dermatologist if necessary.
Information: www.kwfkankerbestrijding.nl
Eyes
Why? Those who see less well run risks in traffic and can easily trip and fall unlucky. Many eye complaints can be treated with glasses (or contact lenses) or with surgery.
When? Vision can deteriorate so slowly that you hardly notice it yourself. Do you have to sit closer to the TV to read the subtitles? Is it increasingly difficult to read the newspaper? Then don’t hesitate to have your eyes tested to see if your glasses are still the correct strength and if you don’t have an eye condition.
How? The general practitioner determines whether a referral to an ophthalmologist or optician is necessary.
ears
Why? Good hearing is not only important in social life, but also in traffic.
When? Many people do not realize that their hearing is deteriorating. They turn up the radio or think it is because of the bad acoustics if they find it difficult to follow their conversation partner. Do you often ask ‘What are you saying?’ or if others make a comment about this, go to the doctor.
How? Your doctor can test your hearing and recommend that you purchase a hearing aid. If necessary, he will refer you to a specialist.
teeth
Why? The gums often become more fragile with age. Medication can also affect the condition of your teeth. The sooner you fight cavities, plaque and gum disease, the longer your teeth will last.
When? Preferably every six months, at least once a year.
How? By checking with the dentist, who will refer you to the dental hygienist or specialist if necessary. Also look at www.ivorenkruis.nl.
Information
www.nhg.artsennet.nl (click in the menu on ‘patient information’, then on ‘patient letters’). On this internet site of the Dutch College of General Practitioners you will find information about all kinds of health topics described in an accessible manner. Sources):
- Plus Pension Guide
