In your 50s, it’s important not to let illness stop you from staying healthy. This article teaches essential annual checkups that can save your health and life.
Colon Cancer Screening
Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Once you turn 45, your risk goes up. You can get a colonoscopy or another test your doctor recommends to assess your risk.
Cholesterol Profile
Controlling your cholesterol can extend your lifespan. You should get a cholesterol check at least once every 4-6 years or more frequently if you have high cholesterol or are at high risk of heart attack.
Blood Pressure Checkup
Untreated high blood pressure can kill your heart, brain, eyes, and kidneys. You can avoid this by checking your blood pressure regularly as you age.
Blood Sugar Checkup
Untreated diabetes can result in blindness, heart disease, and kidney failure. This can be prevented by getting a fasting blood sugar test or other screening tests for prediabetes or diabetes at least once every three years.
Pelvic Exam and Pap Smear
Taking a Pap test and a human papillomavirus (HPV) test can extend the interval between cervical cancer screenings from 3 years to 5 years in most women between the ages of 30 and 65.
If you’re above age 65, you can stop getting screened if you’ve had at least three consecutive negative Pap tests or at least two negative HPV tests in the past 10 years.
Prostate Cancer Screening
As a man clocking 50 years, you should consult your doctor on prostate cancer screening and when it should happen. You might also need to talk to your doctor at an earlier age if you’re African-American or have a close relative who suffered early-onset prostate cancer.
Eye Checkup
You can suffer more vision-robbing diseases as you get older. Ensure your eyes are regularly checked for 1 to 3 years until age 60, and every year after that. Your visits should be more frequent if you have vision issues or have a high risk for eye problems.
Depression Screening
Depression is a usual cause of disability in adults and can show up with aging and chronic illness. Consult your doctor on effective treatment options if you’re feeling sad or hopeless.
Conclusion
It’s easier to suffer illnesses as you age. By having regular checkups and screenings, you can stay in good health and avoid these issues later in life.
