Health screening in elderly Oklahomans.

A total of 550 males and 457 females in their 60s and 70s were screened for height and weight, blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol, and hemoglobin. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS software. Male values were abnormal for all screening parameters except for cholesterol. Statistically significant lower hemoglobin in males suggests that blood loss may be a problem, and in males increases in body weight and glucose may herald a higher frequency of cardiovascular disease. Control of blood pressure, weight reduction, decreased consumption of fat and salt, and regular exercise may be the health imperatives in this group of elderly Oklahomans.