Senior Medicine Specialist

What specific assessments are unique to a senior wellness exam?

Dr. Tarlow is focused on vision, hearing, balance and fall prevention, respiratory illness and heart disease, blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, osteoporosis, fecal and urinary incontinence just to name a few. In addition to an extensive review of prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal products. Dr. Tarlow also addresses senior patient's need for aerobic exercise and strength training and balanced nutrition. A number of age-related medical conditions can put patients at risk for vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Research shows that older patients are often deficient in vitamins A, C, D, and B12; calcium, iron, zinc, and other trace elements.

What screenings are recommended for seniors?

Screenings include:

• Abdominal aortic aneurysm for patients 65 years of age and older or those at high risk.
• Mammograms to screen for breast cancer in women 40 years and older or those at high risk.
• A colonoscopy screening to prevent and detect early signs of colorectal cancer for men and women 50 years and older or those at high risk.
• Bone density screening to prevent or detect early signs of osteoporosis for women 65 years and older as well as men at high risk.
• Prostate cancer screening recommendations are made on an individualized basis. Traditionally, screening began at age 40.

What vaccines should seniors receive?

The United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) advises all adults over age 60 to keep current on the following vaccines:

• Influenza. A new variation is formulated each year. For maximum protection, seniors are urged to get their flu shots early in the season. Annually, adults over age 65 account for more than 60 percent of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations in this country.
• Td or Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis).
• Zoster vaccine, which prevents shingles, a painful disease that affects some 1 million Americans annually, about half of whom are 60 years of age and older.
• Pneumococcal vaccines, which protect against pneumococcal disease, including infections in the lungs and bloodstream, are recommended for all adults over 65 years old, and for adults under age 65 who have certain chronic health conditions.