These are the health tests you should get in your 40s according to experts
While one may feel perfectly fine, there are some health tests that we should all take as we get older to help avoid problems down the road.
No matter your age, you should visit your health care provider regularly to get a check-up, even if you are feeling perfectly fine. Not only to make sure that all is functioning as it should but also to have a good repertoire with your doctor in the event that you need treatment for some unforeseen illness.
As well as, to top up your vaccines and make sure that the prescriptions for any medications that you are taking are up to date. Doing so can help avoid problems down the road as well as getting guidance on how to change any unhealthy habits.
These are the health tests you should get in your 40s according to experts
Whether you are a man or a woman, some of the basic tests that you should take are checking for high blood pressure, high blood sugar and high cholesterol. These are some of the factors that can result in heart disease, the number one cause of death in the United States.
All adults age 35 and older should get screened for diabetes at least once every three years. If you have other risk factors such as a first degree relative with diabetes, overweight or obesity, high blood pressure, prediabetes or a history of heart disease, you should get tested more often according to the experts.
Both sexes should also get checked for skin cancer, which they should do on their own once a month. If you find your moles change in color, shape or size, don’t forget to ask your doctor about them. Most skin cancers are curable if detected early.
Most people should begin screening for colorectal cancer at age 45. Even earlier if you have a family history or certain medical conditions that may make you more prone to developing this second leading cause of death from cancer in both men and women.
Specifically for women, if you are between the ages of 40 to 49, you should talk to your health care provider about getting a mammogram every 1 or 2 years. Those women who have a mother or sister who had breast cancer should consider yearly mammograms starting at a younger age.
It’s recommended to visit you OB-GYN at least once a year for a check-up. Women should continue regular cervical cancer screening every three years, but talk with your health care provider about the frequency of your pelvic exams.
As well, women in their 40s may want to speak with their doctor about menopause or perimenoupause, also referred to as the menopause transition.
Anyone who is sexually active should get tested for HIV and any other sexually transmitted diseases. In recent years there has been an surge in sexually transmitted infections.