Navigating Essential Health Checks for Aging Parents: A Nurse's Insight

How will we know if there is a problem if we don’t have a starting point?

Baseline tests serve as a crucial starting point in understanding our loved ones current health status and detecting any deviations from the norm. But what the heck are the tests they need and for goodness sake what are they actually telling us?  Think of me as your friendly neighborhood nurse here to give you the basics on what tests are needed, what they mean and why they are a big deal!

These basic tests should be completed at your parents annual physical with their primary care physician.  PRO TIPS:  When making the annual physical appointment ask the doctor’s nurse to order the standard labs prior to the appointment and get them done BEFORE the appointment.  This way your doctor has the results and they can be discussed at your appointment. Also, ask if these labs should be done in a fasting state (no food or drink).  Food and some drinks can significantly affect some of these test results.

Baseline Tests You Should Always Request

Complete Blood Count (CBC): Think of this as a health snapshot. It tells us about red and white blood cells and platelets, key players in the immune system and overall vitality.

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) and Lipid Panel: CMP assesses metabolic functioning, including kidney and liver health, while a Lipid Panel measures cholesterol levels to give indications of heart health.

A1C (Glycated Hemoglobin): A1C provides an average blood sugar level over the past 3 months, this gives us a heads up about the risk for diabetes.

Thyroid Function Tests: Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in metabolism, affecting energy levels, weight, and overall well-being.

Blood Pressure Monitoring: High blood pressure (hypertension) is a silent but significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke. Regular blood pressure checks help identify hypertension early, allowing for timely intervention to prevent complications.

Hormone Levels (e.g., Testosterone, Estrogen): Hormones regulate various bodily functions and can impact overall health and well-being. Imbalances in hormone levels can contribute to symptoms such as fatigue, mood swings, and changes in libido.

Vitamin D Levels: The Sunshine Vitamin!  Vitamin D plays a crucial role in bone health, immune function, and mood regulation.  Low vitamin D levels are associated with increased risk of osteoporosis, weakened immunity, and mood disorders.

Neuropathy Screening: Numbness, tingling, and pain? Nope, not normal. Screening helps us hone in on nerve related issues.  A neuropathy check on the feet is very important in fall prevention.

These tests aren’t just boxes to tick – Regular monitoring of these baseline tests provides valuable insights into your aging parents’ health status, allowing healthcare providers to intervene quickly if anything goes astray.

Last Pro Tip:  The best time to get these baseline screenings — when mom and dad are healthy!  This will allow you the best chance of quickly finding out the cause of an illness if it arises.

If you need additional help, we’ve got your back.