APHA Urges Older Americans to Screen Early for Diseases and to Monitor Their Health During National Public Health Week in April

WASHINGTON, March 21 /U.S. Newswire/ — Although recent federal data report that Americans are living longer, many older Americans continue to suffer from preventable health problems, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. The American Public Health Association will explore ways that Americans can stay strong and healthy throughout their later years during National Public Health Week 2005, to be held April 4-10.

During National Public Health Week, APHA and its partners will focus on identifying and reducing the barriers that keep older Americans from getting the health care and information they need. According to recently released information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the average life expectancy of Americans rose to 77.6 years in 2003 from 77.3 years in 2002. However, older residents continue to suffer from chronic diseases that can be treated, if they are detected in time. One in three older Americans does not get all recommended screenings. For example, 60 percent of Americans over age 65 have not had a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy as recommended, two tests that can screen for colorectal cancer, although Medicare covers both services.

“Today, many individuals and their families, as well as communities and policy-makers are missing opportunities to take the preventive actions necessary to keep aging Americans stronger and healthier throughout their later years,” said Georges C. Benjamin, MD, FACP, executive director of the American Public Health Association. “As a result, older Americans often endure chronic physical and mental illnesses that could be avoided or diminished if they were more proactively addressed.”

During National Public Health Week, APHA is asking seniors and their families to assess their current health status, identify potential risks and create a plan for maintaining optimum health. APHA and its partners will promote the three Ps in adding more healthy years to life: Prevent, Protect and Plan. Among the tools available to the public during the week are a listing of public health departments that will offer a free health assessment at http:/ /www.nphw.org , and a Living to 100 Life Expectancy Calculator at http://www.living to100.com to conduct a personal health assessment at home. Research communications firm Belden Russonello & Stewart will also release the results of a telephone survey of 600 older adults on what barriers Americans face to living healthier lifestyles.

Sponsors for National Public Health Week include The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, American Legacy Foundation, Association of American Medical Colleges and the Alliance for Aging Research. More information on National Public Health Week is available at http:// www.nphw.org.

The American Public Health Association, the oldest organization of public health professionals, represents more than 50,000 members from over 50 public health occupations. More information is available at http://www.apha.org.

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