Source: Blue Care Network
How old are you?
If you’re in your 20s or 30s, you may be concerned about physical
fitness. If you’re in your 40s or 50s, you may be giving more thought
to your heart health and cholesterol levels. As you get older, you may
worry about prostate cancer or a chronic health condition. With each
stage of life, there are health risks and conditions to contend with.
Even if you’re in perfect health, you still need these checkups and
screenings:
• Regular checkups
Regular checkups are a good way to keep track of your health.
This is also a good time to get advice from your doctor about your
diet, exercise and other steps to take. If you’re over 18, you should
have a routine physical every one to five years, depending on your
health risks. Talk to your doctor about recommendations for what
is right for you
• Cholesterol and blood pressure tests
Get your cholesterol and blood pressure checked regularly.
Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and blood pressure can help
prevent other health problems, including cardiac disease, heart
attacks and strokes.
• Colorectal cancer exam
An internal exam of your colon is important in detecting early
colorectal cancer. Tests may include a colonoscopy, fecal occult
blood testing or double contrast barium enema. Check with your
doctor to see which test is right for you.
• Prostate cancer screening
The American Cancer Society recommends that doctors offer
prostate cancer screening to most men beginning at age 50.
Prostate screening includes both a PSA test and digital rectal
exam.
• Diabetes testing
If you’re age 45 or older and at risk for type 2 diabetes, have your
blood sugar measured every one to two years. Risk factors for type
2 diabetes include being overweight, being inactive and having
a family history of diabetes. Also, if you have high blood pressure
or high cholesterol, it’s important to be tested for diabetes, since
diabetes significantly increases your already higher risk of heart
attack.
