If you're feeling good, you usually don't start thinking about your health until something happens, right? Ever since I was diagnosed with breast cancer in my 30s--a wake-up call--health has been top of mind (and I've even taken it a step further by writing about it for a living).
Around 40, your health may start to change and surprise you with some new-to-you symptoms and/or conditions. Maybe your past not-so-stellar habits, like eating too many fried foods or smoking, are starting to take their toll. Maybe, despite all good intentions, something in your body goes amiss and it results in an illness. Whatever your age, now's the time to review your current state of health and lay down a lifetime of good watchdog habits and health practices.
Consider this list a gift to you for now and for the rest of your life. No more excuses: schedule your annual physical and appointments with the appropriate specialists (dermatologist, gynecologist, dentist) and make sure to ask about these tests:
Diabetes (high blood sugar) can cause problems with your heart, brain, eyes, feet, kidneys, nerves, and other body parts. It's especially important to get screened if your blood pressure is higher than 135/80 or if you take medication for high blood pressure.
The jury is still out on whether to start mammos at 40 or 50. Talk to your doctor and know your family history and personal risk factors and concerns.
It can start to climb with age, increasing your risk of heart attack and stroke. Starting at age 18, have your blood pressure checked at least every 2 years. High blood pressure is 140/90 or higher and can cause stroke, heart attack, kidney and eye problems, and heart failure. If it's high it can be lowered through diet, exercise, meditation, or medication.
Since one in five Americans has high cholesterol (which can lead to heart attacks and strokes, diseases which claim a life every 33 seconds), know your numbers. Again, nutrition and medication, if necessary, can keep it in check. Get your numbers checked starting at age 20 if you: use tobacco, are obese, have diabetes or high blood pressure, have a personal history of heart disease or blocked arteries, or have a man in your family who had a heart attack before age 50 or a woman before age 60. For more on cholesterol levels, click here.
Have it every 1 to 3 years if you are 21 to 65 years old and have been sexually active. Some experts say you don't need it if you are older than 65 and have had a normal test, or if you have had a hysterectomy for a reason other than cancer.
To protect yourself from cancer and sexually transmitted diseases, an exam every one to three years is recommended, especially if you are sexually active. Get screened for Chlamydia if you are 24 or younger and sexually active. If you're older than 24, check with your healthcare team to see if this screening (and others) are warranted.
Each year, have your doc check for unusual moles or skin changes. Caught early, most skin cancers are curable.
If you're in your 40s, it's likely that you'll soon need glasses for reading (if you're not already sporting them). You might know the feeling--you have to hold a menu further and further away with an outstretched arm in order to figure out just what it says. A regular eye exam--once every one to two years--can check for common problems like presbyopia (the gradual loss of your eyes' ability to focus actively on nearby objects), glaucoma, and macular degeneration.
Maybe you weigh yourself at home, or maybe you don't and the only time you see a scale is at the doctor's office. Don't shy away from knowing the numbers: being overweight puts your health at risk for diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Though some might argue differently, personally, I like to weigh myself daily; it keeps me aware of what I can/should and cannot/should not eat.
Talk to your doc about a flu shot; and while you're at it, ask if you need a tetanus booster. After the initial tetanus series, booster shots are recommended every 10 years. Tetanus is a serious disease and is caused by a bacterial toxin that affects the nervous system. The spores can enter your body through any cut or scratch or a deep puncture wound (like stepping on a nail).
Screening for colorectal cancer should begin at age 50. But if you have a family history of the disease, you may need earlier screening. If you do not get or need a colonoscopy, you might ask about a stool guaiac test (also called a fecal occult blood test), which is non-invasive.
There are no obvious signs of osteoporosis--until a fracture happens. These screenings can identify problems early on so that you can begin treatment to prevent further bone loss, and should be done at least once beginningat age 65 or earlier (depending on your risk factors for osteoporosis).
Should start at age 18 and then once every ten years. At age 50, it should be done once every three years.
Your mental health is just as important as--and can influence--your physical health. If you've felt especially down or sad or take little pleasure in things, talk to your healthcare provider about depression screening.
Should be performed every five years beginning at age 35, to identify an under-active or overactive thyroid. Both are very treatable, but if left untreated can lead to more serious conditions, including obstructive sleep apnea, loss of hair, and even muscle pain and weakness. Women are at greater risk for thyroid disease and develop problems seven times more often than men.
Your dentist can screen you for oral cancer while he or she also checks out the health of your teeth and gums. Swollen, inflamed gums can lead to more serious problems, like heart disease.
Need more information? Check out: PreventiveServices.gov and Recommendations for Healthy Women.
Sheryl Kraft is Health & Wellness Editor at EndlessBeauty.com
Comments
It might be worth mentioning - or doing an entire post on - situations in which women might consider getting a bone density test earlier in life. Turns out I already have bone degeneration in my early 30s due to some medications I've taken in the past. Who knew!
That's a really good suggestion, Stephanie. Interesting - and important - to think about a whole article devoted to this topic. Medications do indeed have many benefits, but many times, unfortunately, it's a trade-off because of unwanted side effects.I'm sorry you are facing this - but I'd say it's good you know since there are things you can do to help, like make sure you have adequate calcium and vitamin D, for starters.
These are such good suggestions. My grandmother had osteoporosis so I try to really watch that I get enough calcium in my diet. This is such a great list; going to print now...
This is a good reference and reminder, Sheryl.
So wise! Yes, when the body turns 40 stuff starts breaking down and it is best to pay attention. At 50, more damage. Then, at 60, whoa! Parts are breaking left and right. Right now I'm realizing I cannot hear as well as before. Thanks for the reminder about hearing tests. Putting it on my to-do list for 2011.
Yes, Chezsven, through the decades the body certainly takes on new challenges. We have to be proactive with our health, that's for sure!
Shoot! I didn't think the list would be this long.