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Your doctor may have told you that you should get an annual physical. Almost 45 million Americans do and that number is even higher for seniors. And of course, aging often leads to aches, pains, and illnesses that send you to the clinic more often than that.
The annual physical rule has recently come under scrutiny with many experts saying it really isn't necessary for younger folks. Obviously, you'll want to consult with a doctor if you're having any problems or changes in your health. But the general consensus is that annual physicals are a good idea for people once they reach the ripe old age of 50.
So whether its a yearly appointment or an interim visit for illness or injury, are you getting the most out of your visits? Well, many people don't. But it doesn't have to be that way.
So how do you make the most of your appointment? Here are some ideas.
What to Do During a Doctor Appointment
Be Prepared. This may be the Boy Scout motto, but its also the best advice for those planning a doctor visit! Your appointment will be scheduled for only a certain amount of time so you'll want to make the most of it.
What's up? When you make the appointment, give them a brief idea of the reason for the visit so they can allow enough time. They'll typically reserve a longer time for a physical, but for other appointments be sure to mention all
the reasons so you have time to discuss them with your doctor.
Starting new. If your'e a new patient, bring along a personal and family health history. Sometimes they'll send you a form in advance. If so, complete it at home and make a copy to keep for future use. Bring your previous medical records or have them sent to your new doctor in advance.
Get physical. If you've got an annual physical coming up think about any health issues that may have been bothering you. If you have enough time, be aware of your body leading up to the appointment and write things down no matter how small they seem. Sometimes things hurt or act up during one part of the day and then improve. Arthritis may be worse first thing in the morning or during the night, so you may forget to mention what's not hurting when you see your doc). Or allergies might be sporadic and youd like to get a prescription for when they're bad, but you aren't feeling it in your air-conditioned doctors office, so its easy to forget.
Keep track. If you've been having any health problems keep a record of when it all began, when the problem occurs, and how severe it is. This is an especially effective way to track migraines, digestive issues, or other conditions that crop up frequently but not regularly. Knowing when they occur will help you and your doctor to determine what may be triggering the problem.
Write it down. Write a list of things you may want to ask or discuss even if they seem minor. Sometimes one condition may be related to another and you'd never realize it until your doctor becomes aware of both symptoms and puts two and two together.
Don't go alone. Take someone with you to your appointment. If your memory isn't what it used to be or you are diagnosed with something unexpected or even frightening, that person can take notes and ask questions to help you remember and take further action.
Doing drugs. Bring a list of your medications not only prescriptions, but also any vitamins, herbs, supplements, or over-the-counter meds you take on a regular basis. This is especially important for seniors who travel or spend the winter in a warmer climate or who have just retired to a new community. Knowing your meds will help your doctor discover any possible drug interactions as well as what has worked and what hasn't side effects you may have, and whether you might be taking too many medications.
New drugs. If you get a new prescription, don't be afraid to ask what the common side effects are. What side effects would warrant calling your doctor? How soon can you expect the drug to work? And feel free to ask for clarification on when to take it, whether to take it with food, etc.
Don't be shy. Doctors are bound by patient confidentially, so you don't have to worry about anything you say. Yes, it might be embarrassing to discuss hemorrhoids, your sex life, or bowel movements, but there may be an easy solution that youll never know about if you never bring it up.
Be honest. Its tempting to lie about things you know you should do and don't do or things you do that you know you should not. Smoking, eating donuts, and cheese curds, not wearing your seatbelt, or having unsafe sex are some of the most common offenders. You get the idea. Again, you need to be honest or your doctor cant help you.
Get it in writing. If you get a new prescription, exercise, or other instruction, ask to have it written down. You might think you'll remember, but sometimes its a lot to take in all at once. Better be safe than sorry.
Cheat sheet. If this is a lot to remember, use the American Heart Associations new guideline nicknamed PACE:
Provide information about how you feel.
Ask questions if you don't have enough information. Clarify what you hear. Express any concerns you might have. And don't forget to make any follow-up appointments before you leave!
It was a momentous occasion in Bradenton on May 1, 2025, as we welcomed a very special guest Ellie Hollander, President & CEO of Meals on Wheels America. Her visit was more than ceremonial; it was a heartfelt celebration of community, service, and the vital work being done across Florida to nourish and support our seniors.Ellie flew in from the Washington, D.C. area as the keynote speaker for the Meals on Wheels Florida annual conference, proudly hosted this year by Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee. Ellies schedule was packed, but that did not stop her from doing an interview with MySuncoast ABC-7 telling viewers how critical the meal program is to our homebound seniors. Next, Ellie hit the road and delivered meals to some of our senior clients and talked with our volunteers. Ellie also stopped by our Friendship Dining Center program, and participated in a music game the clients love.The Members of the Florida Chapter of Meals on Wheels America named Maribeth Phillips, our President & CEO, as their Board President earlier this year. Maribeth invited Ellie to attend and kickoff the conference. Ellie shared valuable insights with the members in attendance, and her words reenergized the room!The conference included meal providers from across the state, with over 20 different organizations attending. Attendees also heard from Bob Blancato, Executive Director of NANASP, also from Washington, D.C.; Bradenton Police Detective, Jim Curulla on senior scams; Sandra Tapfumaneyi, Chief of Emergency Management Sarasota; Louise Gallagher on Senior Mental Health; and Jennifer Huber from FPL. Chef2Home provided a delicious breakfast and lunch.We are proud to be part of the national network of Meals on Wheels America and grateful to be a part of the state-wide chapter, Meals on Wheels Florida, both working every day to ensure no senior goes hungry.
As summer approaches, many children in our community are looking forward to sunshine, fun, and time with friends. But for far too many, summer brings something else-hunger.When school cafeterias close for the summer, thousands of local children lose access to the nutritious meals they depend on. Families already struggling to make ends meet are faced with even more pressure. The emotional toll is real. No parent should have to worry if they can feed their child, and no child should go to bed with an empty stomach.At The Food Bank of Manatee, we are stepping up to meet the need. We partner with over 100 local food pantries across Manatee County to reach the families who need us mostbut we cant do it alone.This summer, our goal is to provide: 22,500 meals each week across the 9-week summer break. Thats more than 200,000 meals for children and familiesand every dollar makes a difference.Just $15 provides 10 meals; $30 provides 20 meals; a gift of $150 will provide 100 meals!We know that many in our community want to make a difference. With your support, we can ensure no child goes hungry during the summer months.Please consider making a gift today and sharing this message with others who want to help too. A link to our page is below. A $25,000 Matching Gift to feed children this summer has been offered by an anonymous fund at Manatee Community Foundation. Gifts will be matched $1 for $1 up to $25,000.The Food Bank of Manatee is the only food bank based in our county. We anticipate continued need as families look for nutritional support. Your help matters now more than ever! Please give today!Together, we can bring relief, peace of mind, and full bellies to those who need it most.
On Monday, April 7, 2025, we had the joy and honor of hosting our annual Volunteer Luncheon, a heartfelt celebration dedicated to the incredible individuals who make our mission possible each and every day. Held in a spirit of gratitude and community, the event brought together volunteers with over 100 hours of service for a beautiful luncheon provided by Metz Chef 2 Home. The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to several outstanding volunteers who have gone above and beyond in their service. From delivering meals with a smile to lending a helping hand wherever needed, these volunteers embody the true spirit of giving.The 2025 award recipients included:Champions Circle: Ten Years of ServiceDan WilhelmChampions Circle: 300+ Hours of ServiceTerri HillChampions Circle: 300+ Hours of ServicePat McDonaldOutstanding Food Bank Volunteer: Terri HillOutstanding Volunteer Ambassador: Veronica Brandon-MillerOutstanding Youth Volunteer: Jonathan MaassenMost Generous Group Ambassador: Lakewood Ranch Elks LodgeOutstanding Volunteer Group: First WatchOutstanding Administrative Volunteer: Barbara BrownOutstanding Friendship Dining Center Volunteer: Pam O ConnorOutstanding Car Loader: Charlie GunnOutstanding Warehouse Volunteer: Lana PaulRookies of the Year: Jeff and Christy MohlerOutstanding Daybreak Adult Day Center Volunteer: Larry BreidenbachOutstanding Telephone Reassurance Volunteer: Reina HuertaVolunteer of the Year: Terri HillTo every volunteer who gives their time and heartthank you. Our Volunteers are the reason we are able to serve our neighbors in need with care, dignity, and hope. We look forward to another year of making a difference together.
Senior Assisted Living is the perfect blend between luxury, convenience, and care. Youre housed in a picturesque, comforting community where you have the utmost freedom. On the other hand, you have access to personalized day-to-day care including assisted bathing and grooming to continence and medication management, amongst others. Our on-site amenities such as therapy services and 24-hour nursing care promote a high quality of life. With the vast array of dining, transport, and wellness amenities, we aim to prioritize your needs. It's clear that Discovery Commons At Bradenton recognizes the importance of holistic care for seniors and has integrated wellness and therapy services into their assisted living program to meet a variety of needs. Here's a breakdown of their approach:Comprehensive services: The wellness and therapy services offered cater to a wide range of needs, including those recovering from surgery, stroke, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and memory-related conditions like dementia or Alzheimer's disease, as well as Parkinson's disease. This comprehensive approach ensures that residents receive tailored care that addresses their specific health challenges.Improved mobility and activity: By participating in these services, residents can expect to increase their mobility and become more active. This can have a significant impact on their overall quality of life, allowing them to engage more fully in daily activities and maintain independence.Pain relief and fall prevention: The program aims to alleviate joint pain in areas crucial for mobility, such as the back, neck, shoulders, and knees. Additionally, by addressing mobility issues and building strength and balance, residents can reduce their risk of falls, which is particularly important for those who have experienced previous falls.Enhanced daily living: The ultimate goal of the wellness and therapy services is to improve residents' ability to manage their daily living activities. Whether it's simple tasks like grooming and housekeeping or more complex activities, residents can expect to receive support and guidance to help them
Discovery Commons At Bradenton's SHINE Memory Care Program sounds like an exceptional resource for those seeking memory care services in Bradenton, FL. The program's national recognition highlights its dedication to providing top-quality care for individuals with memory impairments.The emphasis on fostering independence, confidence, and self-esteem is commendable. Celebrating small successes, focusing on positivity, and encouraging active participation in daily activities are all key components of creating a supportive and uplifting environment for residents.The commitment to stimulating mental activity, promoting physical exercise, and maintaining social and religious connections underscores the holistic approach to memory care. By addressing various aspects of well-being, residents can enjoy a higher quality of life and greater overall satisfaction.The focus on dining experiences is also noteworthy. Nutrient-dense gourmet meals contribute to residents' overall health and well-being, while the emphasis on active participation in dining promotes a sense of normalcy and social engagement. The provision of "Food on the Run" for residents who may struggle with mealtime focus or wander frequently demonstrates a thoughtful approach to meeting individual needs and preferences.Overall, Discovery Commons At Bradenton's SHINE Memory Care Program appears to be a compassionate and comprehensive resource for individuals and families navigating the challenges of memory impairment.