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Shiva Mohtashami, MD

Blog Post

Geriatric Care FAQs

If you require geriatric care in Morgan Hills, CA, Dr. Shiva Mohtashami is a leading provider of family care and geriatric care in the area. 

What is geriatric care?

Geriatric care is care related to the elderly. What exactly elderly means is fluid, but it usually means older than 65 years of age. Aging is not the same in every person and geriatric care has evolved to include preventative as well as treatment for common conditions that accompany the aging process. As you age, you become more susceptible to many different conditions. Having a doctor who specializes in the medical problems that come with aging can be very helpful in keeping the condition from becoming serious. 

What conditions are common in geriatric patients?

Many conditions are more common in those who are considered geriatric patients. Some of the most common are high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes, and arthritis. 

High blood pressure- according to the National Institute of Health, between 30 and 50% of those over 50 years of age have chronic high blood pressure and among men over 65 the rate is 70-79%. This certainly is cause for concern. The new guidelines for high blood pressure are 130 over 80 for all adults, no matter what their age. 

Heart disease- many different conditions fall into this category, including coronary artery blockage, arteriosclerosis, atrial fibrillation, and heart failure. 

Diabetes-the CDC states that 25% of those 65 and older suffer from diabetes. This disease has many side effects, from eye issues to nerve damage, making it a reason for serious concern. 

Arthritis- as people age, their joints begin to show signs of wear and tear. This can lead to joint damage, pain, inflammation, and loss of mobility. 

What Geriatric Treatments are Offered?

Many of the conditions brought on by aging are due to lifestyle choices. Part of geriatric care in Morgan Hills, CA, may be to offer dietary counseling to help seniors make better food choices. It is possible to control type 2 diabetes with good eating. Your geriatric doctor may prescribe medication to lower your blood pressure and help with arthritis pain, also vaccinations to control other diseases like flu, pneumonia, and shingles.

How Often Should Elderly Patients Visit Their Geriatric Doctor?

At the very least, a yearly exam is suggested. If you are suffering from any serious condition, more frequent visits may be recommended. The goal of geriatric medicine is to keep you healthy and productive as long as possible. Taking care of little issues before they become big issues is important.

Geriatric care in Morgan Hills, CA is one of the specialties of Dr. Mohtashami at her practice. To make an appointment for an evaluation, call 408-659-7300.