FISHERS, Ind. — Harry Atkinson just completed his annual Medicare Wellness visit and is happy his health is on track.
The 70-year-old credits good genetics and a lifelong commitment to fitness for his vibrant health, demonstrating that age is just a number with the right approach.
"I think that I owe it to my wife and my children to stay healthy," Atkinson said. "It allows me to do the things I want to do, like walk 18 holes of golf or go sailing or play with my grandchildren."
He played lacrosse in college and served as a long-time lacrosse coach at Hamilton Southeastern, rushing nightly to the fields in Fishers after his day job downtown. Atkinson has maintained an active lifestyle well into his seventh decade. He works out three times a week, stays current with medical screenings, and approaches alcohol and sweets with a mindset of moderation.
Preventative care matters
Dr. Justin Smith, of Ascension St. Vincent, emphasized the importance of regular health screenings, regardless of age.
"No matter how old they are, there is no reason to give up on their health," Smith said. "It's important to have these screenings and try to keep patients healthy and prevent serious issues from happening."
For Atkinson, preventative care meant addressing subtle health issues like blood pressure and thyroid function — conditions that often exist without noticeable symptoms.
Medicare wellness visits
Smith says many Medicare patients are unaware of their full benefits. Medicare offers two annual doctor visits designed to help seniors maintain their health:
- The Annual Physical: Focuses on chronic issues and lab work
- The Annual Wellness Visit: A comprehensive consultation aimed at creating a personalized prevention plan
The Annual Wellness visit is twice as long as a physical and covers a variety of topics, including mental health, fall risk assessments, RX Check, as well as a review of recommended screenings.
How to schedule Check Up 13
For Check Up 13 this month, Medicare members who haven't had a wellness visit in the last 12 months can schedule an appointment by calling the Check Up 13 Hotline at 866-UCHECK13 (866-824-3251) or registering online by clicking here.
It's never too late to make your health a priority. Atkinson's message is clear: "If you want to live a long, healthy life, you've got to take care of yourself — not only by being active but also by maintaining your physical health through regular exams."