Why preventive care matters for seniors

Many seniors and families focus on going to the doctor only when something feels wrong. While it is important to address symptoms quickly, preventive care helps older adults stay ahead of problems before they become serious.

For patients in Joliet, New Lenox, and the greater Chicago area, preventive visits and Medicare wellness exams with Dr. Mouhannad Kantar offer a chance to review health concerns, update medications, and plan the year ahead in a calm, unhurried way.

Preventive care is more than just tests. It is an ongoing partnership between you and a board certified geriatrician and family physician who understands the unique needs of older adults.

Staying ahead of problems as we age

As we get older, the risk of certain conditions increases. These may include:

• Heart disease and stroke

• High blood pressure and high cholesterol

• Diabetes

• Memory changes and dementia

• Depression and anxiety

• Falls, frailty, and bone loss

Many of these issues develop slowly. In their early stages, they may not cause clear symptoms. Preventive visits help uncover early warning signs so that treatment or lifestyle changes can begin sooner.

Even small steps, such as adjusting a medication, checking balance and gait, or updating vaccines, can make a meaningful difference over time.

How a geriatrician supports long term health

A geriatrician is a physician with special training in the care of older adults. Because Dr. Kantar is board certified in both Geriatric Medicine and Family Medicine, he is able to look at the whole picture.

During preventive visits, he may:

• Review how different conditions affect one another

• Consider how medications interact

• Discuss what matters most to you and your family

• Coordinate care with other specialists

This whole person approach is especially important when seniors have several chronic conditions at the same time.

What is a Medicare wellness exam

A Medicare wellness exam is a special type of visit focused on prevention and planning. It is not a visit for new symptoms like acute chest pain or severe shortness of breath, which need urgent or emergency care.

Instead, a wellness exam looks at your overall health and risk factors. The goal is to create or update a plan to help you stay as healthy and independent as possible.

How a wellness exam differs from a sick visit

A typical sick visit focuses on one main problem, such as a cough, pain, or an infection. The visit is usually shorter and directed at diagnosing and treating that specific concern.

A Medicare wellness exam:

• Looks at your health over the long term

• Reviews risks for future problems

• Screens for memory, mood, and function

• Builds a personalized plan for the year ahead

Both types of visits are important. Many seniors benefit from having regular wellness exams in addition to visits for new problems.

Key parts of the visit for older adults

During a wellness exam, you can expect your care team to:

• Record height, weight, and vital signs

• Review medical and surgical history

• Update medication and allergy lists

• Ask about family history and lifestyle

• Screen for memory issues, depression, fall risk, and safety concerns

The exact tests and questions may vary based on your age, health status, and Medicare rules at the time of your visit.

What to expect at a Medicare wellness exam with Dr. Kantar

Patients often feel more relaxed when they know what will happen during a visit.

Reviewing your medical history and medications

At the start of your wellness exam, Dr. Kantar and his team will:

• Confirm your diagnoses and past surgeries

• Review all prescription medications

• Ask about over the counter medicines and supplements

• Check for possible medication side effects or interactions

For many seniors in Joliet and New Lenox, this medication review is one of the most valuable parts of the visit. It can help reduce confusion and may lower the risk of problems related to taking many medicines at once.

Checking memory, mood, and safety

A wellness exam is also a chance to check how you are feeling mentally and how safe you feel at home.

Depending on your needs, Dr. Kantar may:

• Ask simple questions to screen for memory or thinking changes

• Ask about mood, anxiety, or loss of interest in usual activities

• Talk about sleep, appetite, and energy

• Ask if you have had any recent falls or near falls

• Discuss home safety, such as stairs, rugs, and bathroom supports

These questions are not a judgment. They are an early warning system that may catch problems while they are still easier to manage.

Creating or updating a personalized prevention plan

At the end of your visit, Dr. Kantar will work with you to create or update a personalized prevention plan. This may include:

• Recommended vaccines and screenings

• A plan for blood work or imaging

• Goals for blood pressure, blood sugar, or cholesterol

• Suggestions for activity, nutrition, and sleep

• Referrals to specialists or community resources when needed

The plan is tailored to you and may change over time as your needs and priorities change.

Common screenings and preventive services for seniors

Not every test is right for every patient. In many cases, the decision to screen depends on age, overall health, life expectancy, and personal preferences. During your visit, Dr. Kantar can discuss the pros and cons of each option.

Heart and vascular health

To support heart health, preventive care may include:

• Regular blood pressure checks

• Cholesterol and lipid panels

• Lifestyle counseling on diet, activity, and smoking

• Monitoring for signs of heart failure or circulation problems

Small changes made early can often help lower the risk of serious events later.

Diabetes and metabolic health

For seniors who are at risk for diabetes or already have it, preventive care may involve:

• Blood sugar and A1c testing

• Weight and waist circumference checks

• Foot checks and eye exam referrals

• Nutrition and activity guidance

Good diabetes control can help protect vision, kidneys, nerves, and the heart.

Cancer screenings and bone health

Based on your age and health, Dr. Kantar may discuss screenings such as:

• Colon cancer screening options

• Breast and cervical cancer screening for eligible patients

• Prostate cancer screening discussions for some men

• Bone density testing to check for osteoporosis

These decisions are often individualized. The goal is to balance early detection with the potential risks and benefits of each test.

Vaccines and infection prevention

Vaccines are an important part of preventive care for older adults. Depending on your history and current guidelines, vaccines may include:

• Flu shot

• Pneumonia vaccines

• Shingles vaccine

• Tetanus and whooping cough boosters

• Other vaccines based on travel and risk factors

Vaccines help lower the risk of serious infections that can lead to hospitalization, disability, or loss of independence.

How often should seniors have a wellness or preventive visit

In many cases, Medicare eligible patients may have a wellness visit once a year. However, your needs may be different.

Annual wellness visits

Most older adults benefit from yearly preventive visits with their geriatrician. This pattern allows:

• Regular review of changing health needs

• Ongoing screening for memory, mood, and fall risk

• Time to update the personalized prevention plan

Between annual visits, you may still have other appointments for specific issues.

Follow up visits for chronic conditions

If you have conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, COPD, or thyroid disorders, you may need more frequent follow up. These visits can be in person or sometimes by telehealth, depending on the situation.

Dr. Kantar can help set a schedule that fits your health needs and comfort level.

Medicare and preventive care coverage basics

Medicare rules may change over time, and coverage may differ based on whether you have traditional Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan.

Welcome to Medicare and yearly wellness visits

In general, many patients have access to:

• An initial preventive visit when they first join Medicare

• Yearly wellness visits after that

The details, including copays and covered services, depend on your specific plan and current Medicare regulations.

Talking to your plan about costs

To avoid surprises, you can:

• Call the number on your insurance card

• Ask if a Medicare wellness or preventive visit with your doctor is covered

• Ask what, if any, copay or coinsurance applies

The staff at Dr. Kantar’s office can often help guide you with common insurance questions they see from patients in Joliet and New Lenox.

Preparing for your Medicare wellness exam

Good preparation makes your visit smoother and more effective.

Information to bring to your visit

Before you come in, gather:

• A complete list of medications, including over the counter drugs and supplements

• Records of blood pressure or blood sugar readings if you check them at home

• Names and contact information for other doctors you see

• A list of your past surgeries and major illnesses

• Your insurance card and a photo ID

If a family member helps with care, you can invite them to join the visit.

Questions to ask your geriatrician

Writing down your questions can help you feel more confident and less rushed. You might ask:

• Are my current medications still right for me

• What vaccines or screenings should I consider this year

• How can I lower my risk of falls at home

• Are there changes I can make to improve my sleep or energy

• What signs should prompt me to call the office or seek urgent care

No question is too small. The goal is to help you understand and feel comfortable with your plan.

Related services and internal link suggestions

On your website, this article can connect to several key service pages to guide both patients and search engines:

• Link terms like Preventive care for seniors and Medicare wellness exam to your Preventive Care and Medicare Wellness Exams service page.

• Link chronic disease management to your Chronic Disease Management service page.

• Link dementia and memory care or memory screening to your Dementia and Memory Care page.

• Link comprehensive geriatric medicine or geriatrician in Joliet and New Lenox to your Comprehensive Geriatric Medicine page.

• Link telehealth or virtual visits when you mention follow up options to your Telehealth and Virtual Visitspage.

These internal links improve navigation for patients and support stronger SEO.

Schedule your preventive visit with Dr. Kantar

Preventive care and Medicare wellness exams are some of the most important visits seniors can make each year. They help catch problems early, support independence, and give you and your family time to talk with a physician who understands the complexities of aging.

If you or a loved one is an older adult living in Joliet, New Lenox, or the greater Chicago area, consider scheduling a preventive visit with Dr. Mouhannad Kantar, a board certified geriatrician and family physician.

This article is for general education only. It does not replace professional medical advice. For diagnosis and treatment, you should always consult your own physician.

To learn more or to book a Medicare wellness exam or preventive care visit, contact Dr. Kantar’s offices in Joliet and New Lenox, Illinois and request an appointment. You and your family do not have to navigate these decisions on your own