health
Report highlights gaps in preventive care among seniors
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted March 28, 2011
With people 65 and older projected to make up about one in five Americans by 2030, making preventive services accessible across diverse populations is critical, says a report by the Dept. of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
"If we can help patients age 65 and older get the recommended preventive screenings and regular immunizations, we could significantly reduce unnecessary illness," said Edward Langston, MD, a member of the American Medical Association Board of Trustees.
The report highlighted disparities in preventive care across different populations, such as screening for breast cancer, diabetes and osteoporosis. For example, more than 50% of Hispanics, 47% of blacks and 36% of whites never receive a pneumococcal vaccination, said the report (link).
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/03/28/hlbf0328.htm.
