You are fifty years old. You’re in your prime right now, or you should be. Don’t allow disease to take away your well-being.
Make sure your doctor does these easy tests during your yearly physical, or suggests them, as they could save your life and health in the future. (Take note that depending on your unique health profile, your doctor might suggest further testing.)
Colon cancer screening: Everyone over 45 should get screened for colon cancer. In the United States, colon cancer ranks second in terms of cancer-related mortality. Your probability of getting it increases with age. While there are alternative choices, the most commonly recommended test is a colonoscopy. Which screening test is best for you? Ask your doctor.
Stepping on the scales: Most people begin to acquire weight at this age. Keep a close eye on this weight increase and combat it with exercise and a better diet. Studies reveal that losing weight can increase your chances of preventing many diseases that put overweight people at high risk.
Blood pressure: If left untreated, high blood pressure kills you on all fronts—it damages your kidneys, brain, eyes, and heart. Avoid letting hypertension catch you off guard. Check your blood pressure. It’s quick, inexpensive, and easy.
Cholesterol Profile: Do you have elevated cholesterol levels? Find out—at least once every four to six years, if not more frequently whether you are at risk for a heart attack due to excessive cholesterol.
Blood glucose: Diabetes that is left untreated can lead to blindness, renal failure, and heart disease, among other health problems. Keep it from happening. At least once every three years, get screened for diabetes or prediabetes with a fasting blood sugar test or another test, and start managing your diabetes early.
For women only:
Pap smear and pelvic exam are exclusively for women. For many women between the ages of 30 and 65, the gap between cervical cancer screenings can be safely extended from 3 to 5 years by combining a Pap test with an HPV test. According to the guidelines, women over 65 can cease screening if they have had at least two negative HPV tests or at least three consecutive negative Pap tests within the past 10 years. However, screening should not stop for women who have advanced precancerous diagnosis, a history of HPV infection, or smoking as risk factors for cervical cancer.However, screening should not stop for women who have advanced precancerous diagnosis, a history of HPV infection, or smoking as risk factors for cervical cancer.
Mammography: As early detection of breast cancer is crucial, all women should have commenced routine mammograms by the time they are 50 years old. You might ask your doctor how often the test should be repeated. Both your breast and your life can be saved by early identification of breast cancer.
Exclusively for men:
Screening for prostate cancer: Men should talk to their doctor about when and whether they should get screened for prostate cancer when they turn 50. Men of African descent and those who have a close relative who had prostate cancer that developed early in life ought to consult their physician sooner rather than later.
In search of moles: Embrace your skin. Look for any strange moles or patches on your skin. If you detect anything new or out of the ordinary, consult your physician. If you have ever had skin cancer, have them check your skin on a frequent basis.
Shielding your eyes. Age-related disorders that impair vision grow more prevalent. Make sure to have frequent eye exams; starting at age 60, you should do so every year after that, every one to three years. If you have visual issues or are at risk for developing eye problems, go more frequently.
Testing for the hepatitis C virus. Anyone over the age of 18 should get tested for hepatitis C, according to the CDC. Consider taking the test if you haven’t been checked.
Screening for depression: Although it’s sometimes disregarded, depression is a common cause of disability in adulthood. Ageing and chronic sickness are two ways it manifests. It can be treated; it’s not a typical aspect of ageing. See your doctor if you’re feeling depressed, hopeless, or uninterested in activities you used to love. They can ask you a few straightforward questions or have you complete a questionnaire to determine whether you’re depressed.
Immunisations:
You require additional vaccinations as you get older in order to maintain your health, such as:
Influenza vaccination: People who are six months of age or older ought to receive one annually.
Shingles vaccine: If you are 50 years of age or older, the shingles vaccine is advised.
Recall that you have a number of self-management options to maintain your health as you age:
a. Avoid smoking.
b. Consume a balanced diet.
c. Engage in regular exercise.
d. Maintain a healthy weight.
e. Have safe sexual relations.