Here’s how you can get ready:

✅ Keep a medication list and refill early: Make sure you have at least a 2-week supply of all prescriptions and over-the-counter essentials.

✅ Store important documents: Keep medical records, insurance cards, and your doctor’s contact information in a waterproof folder.

✅ Have a health kit: Include items like blood pressure cuffs, glucose meters, and extra batteries for medical devices.

✅ Plan for communication: Know how you’ll reach your healthcare team and pharmacy if power or cell towers go down.

✅ Build an emergency kit: Stock it with water, non-perishable food, flashlights, and first aid supplies.

Don’t wait until a storm is on the way to prepare. Staying organized now can reduce stress and keep you safer if an emergency happens.

Need help planning for your health needs this hurricane season? Call your MetroHealth office—we’re here to support you.

Too often, men delay routine care or ignore early signs of health concerns. Preventive screenings and consistent self-care can make a world of difference.

This month also highlights Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, a critical reminder of the importance of monitoring brain health as we age. That’s why MetroHealth has partnered with K2 Medical Research to offer free brain health and Alzheimer’s screenings at select locations. These screenings are quick, free, and could provide early insights that help protect your long-term health.

Whether you’re looking to stay active, manage a chronic condition, or check in on your memory, MetroHealth offers tools, resources, and support to keep you at your best. This June, make your health a priority—for yourself and the people who count on you.

How MetroHealth Supports Your Wellness:

• No Cost Medical Screenings through K2 for brain and Alzheimer’s awareness
• Weekly Silver Sneakers Classes including Line Dancing, Chair Yoga, and Classic fitness
• Tai Chi & Qigong Sessions to support balance, mobility, and mental calm
• Friendly staff and providers ready to listen, guide, and care for your needs

Call today to RSVP for a screening or class: 407-803-4622

Since January is Thyroid Awareness month, now is the perfect time to learn more about this tiny but mighty gland that has a major impact on your health and wellbeing. 

What is Thyroid Disease? 

Thyroid disease is a general term used to describe a number of conditions that affect how the thyroid gland functions. Thyroid disease is diagnosed when the thyroid produces too much or too little of the hormones that play a role in many of the body’s systems (e.g., cardiovascular, digestive, immune). 

Nearly 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease, and up to 60% of those individuals are unaware of their condition. Undiagnosed and untreated thyroid disease may lead to health complications, such as cardiovascular disease, infertility, and osteoporosis.

The most common types of thyroid disease are hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. 

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism, also known as overactive thyroid disease, occurs when the thyroid gland makes more thyroxine (thyroid hormone) than the body needs. There are several causes of hyperthyroidism, including: 

• Grave’s disease. An autoimmune disorder that attacks the thyroid gland and causes it to grow and produce too much thyroid hormone. 
• Thyroid nodules. Nodules (lumps) on the thyroid may grow and cause the thyroid to produce a higher amount of hormones. 
• Thyroiditis. Temporary inflammation of the thyroid due to an infection or problem with the immune system. Inflammation can trigger the gland to leak stored thyroid hormones.  
• High iodine levels. Consuming too much iodine through medications, supplements and/or seaweed, high iodine levels can cause the thyroid to make too much thyroid hormone. 

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include: 

• Difficulty regulating body temperature 
• Fatigue 
• Frequent bowel movements
• Goiter (enlarged thyroid that makes the neck appear swollen) 
• Mood swings
• Muscle weakness
• Rapid and/or irregular heart rate
• Sleep troubles
• Tremors (most often in the hands) 
• Weight loss

Hypothyroidism 

Hypothyroidism, also known as underactive thyroid disease, occurs when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones to help the body function as it should. 

A number of factors may lead to hypothyroidism, including: 

• Autoimmune disease. When the immune system mistakes thyroid cells as invasive, it attacks the thyroid. When there aren’t enough thyroid cells and enzymes, the thyroid doesn’t make enough hormones. 
• Congenital hypothyroidism. 
• Pituitary gland damage. The pituitary is the “master” endocrine gland that signals to the thyroid how much hormone to make. If the pituitary is damaged, it may no longer send the thyroid its usual signals, causing a decline in hormone production. 
• Radiation. Radiation used to treat certain conditions (e.g., Grave’s disease, lymphoma, thyroid cancer) can cause a decline in thyroid function. 
• Medication. Certain medications (e.g., lithium) can interfere with thyroid hormone production. This is most likely to occur in individuals who have a genetic predisposition for autoimmune thyroid disease.
• Thyroiditis. Inflammation of the thyroid gland caused by a viral infection or autoimmune condition can trigger the thyroid to dump its entire supply of stored hormones into the blood at once, causing temporary hyperthyroidism, which then causes the thyroid to become underactive.
• Surgical thyroid removal. Removing all or part of the thyroid surgically can cause the thyroid to reduce or completely stop producing hormones.  

Symptoms of hypothyroidism include: 

• Constipation 
• Depression 
• Difficulty regulating body temperature and/or tolerating cold 
• Dry skin and hair 
• Fatigue
• Infertility (in women) 
• Irregular or heavy menstrual cycles
• Joint and muscle pain 
• Puffy face
• Slowed heart rate
• Weight gain 

Treatments for thyroid disease 

If you’ve been diagnosed with thyroid disease, your doctor will likely prescribe medications to help balance thyroid hormone production and return your levels to within the normal range. 

There are a wide variety of thyroid medications available, and the type you are prescribed will depend on your specific condition. 

If you have hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), treatment options include: 

• Antithyroid drugs. Medications to slow the production of thyroid hormones. 
• Radioactive iodine. This treatment damages thyroid cells to reduce high levels of thyroid hormone production. 
• Beta blockers. Medications that do not affect thyroid hormone levels, but help manage symptoms. 
• Surgery. Known as a thyroidectomy, surgical removal of the thyroid stops excessive thyroid hormone production, but you will need to be on thyroid replacement hormones for life. 

If you have hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), the primary treatment option is thyroid replacement medication (e.g., levothyroxine) to help keep thyroid hormones balanced at healthy levels.

What to do if you have symptoms of thyroid disease

Being proactive by staying aware of your body and noticing any changes that may indicate a problem with your thyroid and hormone production is important. Knowing the signs and symptoms of thyroid disease can help you get an early diagnosis and treatment to lower the risk of developing health complications. 

Speak with your doctor if you suspect you have a thyroid hormone imbalance. They may suggest thyroid testing to provide an accurate diagnosis and begin appropriate treatment.  

This article outlines some of the common screening tests recommended for older adults. 

Health Screenings for Women and Men Ages 50 and Older

Screening tests and regular check-ups are important for everyone, especially older adults. As we age, the risk of developing health problems increases. Being proactive about getting screening tests can help detect potential problems earlier so you can get the treatments you need to live a long, healthy, fulfilling life. 

Annual Wellness Exam 

Visit your doctor at least once a year for a physical examination. They will measure your weight, height, and body mass index. They will also measure your blood pressure and order blood tests to check your cholesterol levels, inflammation markers, blood glucose levels to screen for diabetes, and hormone levels. They will also talk to you about your activity level, eating habits, and lifestyle choices. Your doctor may also ask if you are experiencing any mental health concerns, such as depression. This is a good way for them to follow your overall health and check for changes that occur over time that may indicate potential health issues that need to be addressed. 

Colonoscopy 

A colonoscopy is a test that uses a camera to take images of your colon to check for polyps (abnormal tissue growth) and tumors. Adults who are 50 and older should get a colonoscopy every 5 years. You should get them more frequently if you have a family history of colorectal cancer or if polyps have been detected in previous colonoscopies. When detected early, colorectal cancer is highly treatable. 

Vision tests

Vision loss and eye diseases (e.g., glaucoma, macular degeneration) are common in older adults. Screening tests can help detect any potential issues with your eyes and help improve your vision with the help of prescription glasses and treatments for any eye disease. Hearing tests 

Many older adults have hearing loss. Some people have mild hearing loss and for others, it is disabling and affects everyday life. Most hearing loss can be improved through the use of hearing aids. Ask for a hearing test if you are having trouble hearing.  

Bone Density Scan

Osteoporosis (a bone disease that weakens bones) is common in older adults. In fact, 75 million people around the globe are affected by the condition. While women are more at risk of developing osteoporosis, men can be affected, too. A bone density scan measures bone mass, which can help indicate bone strength. Regular bone scans should be a part of your screenings after the age of 65.

Vaccinations

Keeping up-to-date with your vaccines can ensure you reduce the risk of contracting certain diseases. The CDC recommends that adults 50 and older should get a shingles vaccine. Adults ages 65 and older should receive a pneumococcal vaccine to protect against pneumonia. You may also want to consider getting your annual flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine/booster. The diphtheria-tetanus booster/pertussis vaccine is also recommended every 10 years. 

Health Screenings for Women Ages 50 and Older

Mammogram

Mammograms take images of breast tissue to screen for breast cancer. All women should have a mammogram, but the frequency varies, depending on your age. Women between the ages of 50-74 should have mammograms every year. Women younger than 50 should have mammograms every other year. However, if you have a family history of breast cancer, your doctor may recommend more frequent mammograms. 

Pap Smear

Women of all ages need regular pelvic exams and pap smears to detect cervical cancer. Pelvic exams can screen for potential gynecological problems such as bladder problems. Pap smears are recommended once every 3 years to check for cervical cancer and HPV. If you’ve had a hysterectomy or are older than 65, your doctor may tell you that a Pap smear is no longer needed. Check with your healthcare provider to determine if/when you need this screening. 

Health Screenings for Men Ages 50 and Older

Abdominal Aortic Testing 

Men ages 65-75 who have smoked in the past or currently smoke should get a one-time screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). This includes former smokers who have quit the habit. 

Prostate Cancer Screening 

Prostate screening can help detect prostate cancer. When detected early, prostate cancer is highly treatable. Your doctor may perform a digital prostate exam, or measure your prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels to measure the amount of PSA in your blood. 

Takeaways

Talk with your healthcare provider about booking appointments for screening tests you need. They will help you connect with specialists, give referrals for any tests that need to be done, and will stay in close communication with you to ensure you receive and understand your test results when they come in.