General Health
Ready for Your Test ?
By Daniela Els
Here are a few tests that everyone needs to do regularly in order to stay healthy through their 40s , 50s and 60s .
Most people hate going to the doctor . But these trips become more and more important as you age . Sure , you might exercise , eat well and look after yourself , but if you ’ re only visiting your doctor ’ s office when you have the flu , you ’ re probably missing out on the benefits of preventative healthcare . Until such a time where our wearables will inform us of diseases long before we notice them , regular medical-ups and routine health screenings are the best way to catch problems before they get out of hand .
When it comes to preventative health screenings , many of us still find the process pretty daunting , notes Edwin Theron , CEO at digital insurance provider Sanlam Indie . “ Often , it ’ s because we ’ re afraid of what we might find out , since we have less than adequate critical illness insurance , or we ’ re worried about what these medical tests cost ,” he says , adding that early detection makes a disease more responsive to treatment , stops an ailment from becoming a chronic condition , and it helps contain infectious diseases . “ We need to constantly remind ourselves that prevention is better than a cure , and when we attend important medical check-ups , we better understand our bodies and set ourselves up for a healthier future .”
Sign Up for These Tests
So , to help you take control of your health as you get older , here are the tests you should be doing in your 40s , 50s and 60s .
1 Routine physical : It ’ s important to become familiar with your medical-related ‘ numbers ’ so that you can spot changes as early as possible . A basic physical should include blood pressure , cholesterol and glucose tests – the latter to check for diabetes and pre-diabetes . The doctor will also check your heart rate and lungs , and examine your eyes , ears , lymph nodes and abdomen to check for anything out of the ordinary .
You should get a physical every two to three years in your 40s , and annually once you reach 50 . For women , it ’ s a good idea to request a bone density test as part of your physical from the age of 50 . It ’ s also a good idea to get your doctor to do a skin exam to check for any irregularities .
2 Dental exam : While oral healthcare should be a life-long commitment , it becomes more important in your 40s and 50s . It ’ s advised that you visit their dentist every six months to a year for dental cleanings and exams to ensure that you keep your teeth and gums healthy .
3 Vaccination update : People usually recover from the flu , pneumonia or shingles without any problems , but having one of these infections later in life can cause serious health problems . There are certain booster vaccinations that medical professionals recommend you get to protect you as you age . Chat to your doctor about the different options that might be available once you reach 40 .
4 Gynaecological exam : Breast cancer and cervical cancer grow in prevalence as women reach their 40s and 50s . At this stage of your life , an annual gynaecological exam should include a manual breast exam to check the breasts for lumps , as well as a Pap smear and a screening test for cancer of the cervix . It ’ s advised that women book a mammogram every one to two years after 40 .
5 Prostate exam : When men reach the age of 40 , they should book a prostate screening session . This process will determine how frequently they need a prostate exam going forward . Most will only need to have the examination every two years .
6 Eye exam : Once you hit your 40s , it ’ s a good idea to book an eye exam every two to four years .
From 55 , more frequent eye exams ( every one to three years ) are recommended . If you have problems with your vision , diabetes or a risk of glaucoma , an annual eye exam is essential .
7 Colonoscopy : Recent guidelines suggest regular screenings for colon cancer from the age of 45 . With risks climbing based on genetic , physical and lifestyle factors , as well as racial and ethnic background , it ’ s important to schedule a colonoscopy every 10 years , or more frequently if there is personal or family history of colon cancer .
Pay Now , Save Later
Serious conditions often have very serious associated expenses , says Theron , and he has some advice for that . “ These costs could include a carer , treatment not covered by medical aid , or the relevant adjustments to your lifestyle , and with the increased prevalence of these conditions in younger people , it would also be wise in your younger years to consider dread disease cover in some form , to help pay for these costs if they should ever arise ,” he says
“ When it comes to your health , ignorance most certainly is not bliss . In fact , knowledge is power , because the knowledge you gain from getting a proper health screening can help you live a healthier life . Just like investing money , the appointments you make today pay back in dividends when it comes to your long-term health .”
This article was supplied by insurance provider Sanlam Indie , in the interests of promoting better general health . More info at www . sanlamindie . co . za .
82 ISSUE 151 | www . modernathlete . co . za