If you are over 40 it is definitely time for a health MOT. I cannot stress enough the importance of having regular health checks from the age of 40.
Go visit your GP and discuss all the tests available. It is better to be safe than sorry. An early cancer diagnosis for example can improve your chances of survival.
You must also learn to listen to your body, paying attention to the warning signs. We all know our bodies. If something feels amiss go to see your doctor straight away.
It is also equally important to lead a healthy lifestyle by eating well with regular exercise. A sedentary lifestyle sets you up for disease. Here below are medical tests for both women and men.
Medical tests for women
Regular blood tests are important to check cholesterol levels, hormones making sure they are not out of balance and to check if you are pre-menopausal. After menopause, a woman is more prone to heart attacks and strokes so regular blood tests are essential.
From a blood test, you can check your CA 125 which is the marker for ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is known as the silent killer so early detection is important especially if there is a history of cancer in your family. A blood test can also check kidney and liver function.
A smear test and pelvic exam are very important especially if you are sexually active.
Checking your blood pressure is also important. High blood pressure can lead to all sorts of problems affecting your kidneys, brain, lungs and blood vessels.
Blood sugar levels are also important to check as elevated levels of glucose in the blood can lead to diabetes.
Mammograms are necessary for checking breast cancer.
A bone density exam is useful to detect osteoporosis which is more common in women than men.
Medical tests for men
While women are prone to heart attacks and strokes after menopause a man can be prone to a heart attack from the age of 35.
Regular blood tests checking for cholesterol and triglycerides are essential. Elevated levels can lead to heart disease, heart attacks and strokes.
I would suggest getting a blood test every 3 months and get a full profile checking liver and kidney function, and sugar levels.
As men grow older it becomes very important to check their prostate. From your blood test, you can check your PSA which is the maker for your prostate. Elevated levels could indicate a problem with your prostate or cancer. Like with ovarian cancer for women if you have a family history of prostate cancer then regular tests are a must.
Men should also get their testosterone levels checked which can be done via a blood or saliva test. Low levels of testosterone can lead to weight gain, erectile dysfunction, fatigue and other problems.
The NHS offers a health check which is worth asking your GP about.
I hope you have found this article on regular health checks for the 40+ useful. If you have any further questions do not hesitate to contact me. I hope the above has helped.