When our kids were little, we made sure they got regular check ups and that their immunizations were always up to date. We need to remember to continue that diligence for ourselves, especially over the age of 50. There are a number of immunization updates that you may want to look at getting along with screenings and other tests that can be critical in catching and treating conditions before they become disease or chronic illness.
Now that we’re in our 50’s (or more) we want to enjoy our health for as long as we can and sometimes prevention is the best medicine.
Hopefully, you’re already having an annual physical. If not, shame on you! Next time (or the first time if the case may be) talk to your doctor about the simple tests listed below.
I just had my annual physical and was able to check each one of these off on my list. I have a great doctor!
Note that your doctor may suggest additional screenings and tests based on your personal health history.
√ A screening colonoscopy is recommended for everyone at 50 years old.
√ Blood Pressure. High blood pressure or hypertension increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
√ Cholesterol. Do you have high cholesterol? Find out — at least once every 5 years (more frequently if you’re at risk for a heart attack). High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Controlling your cholesterol can add years to your life.
√ Blood Sugar. Untreated diabetes can destroy your health, causing heart disease, kidney failure, and blindness. Get a fasting blood sugar test at least once every 3 years.
√ Skin abnormalities. Check your skin monthly for any unusual spots or moles. Be sure to ask your doctor to check your skin once a year as well.
√ Regular eye examinations. Vision-robbing diseases become more common as you age. Be sure to get your eyes examined every 2 years until age 60 and then yearly after that. Go more often if you have vision problems or risk factors for eye problems.
√ Update your immunizations. Even healthy people need a tetanus booster shot every 10 years, and one of those should contain the pertussis vaccine for whooping cough. Be sure to ask your doctor to update any immunizations that you might need. Consider Hepatitis A and B vaccines if you haven’t already had them. And after age 60 you should be vaccinated against the herpes virus that causes shingles (shingles is the adult version of the chicken pox). It is especially important to have all immunizations necessary if your doing any travelling outside of your country of residence.
√ Pelvic exam and pap smear for women. Nope! We aren’t done with them yet!
√ Breast exam and mammogram for women. Mammograms should start at age 50 – earlier if you have a family history of breast cancer. Early detection of breast cancer can save your breast and your life.
Image courtesy of David Castillo Dominici at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
