Preventative Care Specialist
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Wielenga Medical Group
Robert J. Wielenga, M.D.
Geriatric Physician & Family Practice Physician located in Downey, CA
Preventive care is one of the most important aspects of health care, especially for geriatric patients. Dr. Robert Wielenga uses a wide range of preventive care services and screenings to keep you healthy, mobile, and independent as long as possible. Located in Downey, California, Wielenga Medical may be able to prevent the progression of heart disease, some cancers, and respiratory diseases. If you’re looking for a specialist in senior care and preventive medicine, you can find it with Dr. Wielenga. Call the office today to schedule your appointment.
Preventative Care Q & A
Why is preventive care important for seniors?
When it comes to preventive medicine, the needs of seniors and geriatric patients aren’t focused on. However, among older adults, the leading causes of death — such as heart disease, malignant neoplasms, cerebrovascular disease, and chronic lower respiratory disease — is often the result of habits that are preventable, including tobacco use, bad diet, and lack of physical activity.
What’s more, 50% of American adults over age 65 aren’t up to date on preventive services, including screenings and immunizations.
Yet, with proper counsel from a physician who specializes in geriatric care, behavior changes are possible and can improve both the quality of life and longevity of older patients. Your doctor can monitor and track your preventive screenings, ensuring you stay current with the necessary preventive care procedures.
What kinds of preventive care services are there?
Dr. Wielenga provides a wide range of preventive care services to his geriatric patients. Screening for diseases is perhaps one of the most important of these. If and when an issue does arise, you quickly become aware of it, reducing its impact and maybe slowing its progression. Depending on your age and medical history, Dr. Wielenga may recommend the following preventive screenings:
- Cancer screenings
- Mammograms
- Routine blood work
- Colonoscopy
- Pap smears
- Prostate examinations
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm ultrasound
- Sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing
How are diseases prevented?
Dr. Wielenga uses multiple treatment methods to help prevent diseases from occurring and progressing. Depending on your individual needs, he may recommend:
- Aspirin therapy
- Lipid management
- Strength training
- Diet rich in healthy fats
Dr. Wielenga may also recommend certain immunizations to protect you from chronic and acute infections. He ensures you’re up to date on vaccinations like tetanus and diphtheria, and may recommend other vaccines, including:
- Pneumococcal
- Influenza
- Shingles
Can mobility limitations be prevented?
Although geriatric patients often have debilitating musculoskeletal conditions, such as osteoporosis and arthritis, some mobility issues, such as recurrent falls, may be preventable.
If you suffer from osteoporosis, or weak bones, Dr. Wielenga recommends a daily calcium and vitamin D supplement. For other mobility issues, he may suggest ways to build strength and work on stability, such as:
- Regular exercise
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Supportive devices
- Group fitness classes
If you or someone you love is in need of a geriatric specialist, look to Dr. Wielenga for preventive care and treatments. Call the office today to schedule your appointment or book it online.
*Individual results may vary
