Are you fit, fabulous and 40 ... or 50? People who aren’t sick obviously don’t think about visiting a doctor. But screening can pick up health problems at an early stage, so the new year might be a good time to schedule a few tests to ensure we stay fit as we get older.
Medical screening can be done on various parts of the body (e.g. eyes and breasts) or body systems (e.g. cardiovascular system – blood pressure or electrocardiogram (ECG)). By testing even before there are symptoms, it’s easier to detect disease early and prevent it from becoming severe. Specific problems tend to occur at different times of life.
CARDIOVASCULAR SCREENING
- Blood pressure – hypertension (high blood pressure) is known as the ‘silent killer’ as it often has no symptoms, but if not controlled, it can cause stroke, heart and kidney problems. It’s easy to start an annual check at age 40, at a pharmacy clinic, community health centre (CHC) (‘day hospital’) or your family doctor.
- Cholesterol – high cholesterol can cause heart attacks and strokes. A simple blood test measures your cholesterol level, with follow-up more detailed tests needed if it’s high.
- ECG – measures the electrical activity around your heart and your heart rhythm. It’s not routinely done but if any of your family has heart trouble, it’s good to check at age 40.
Related article: 4 Health checks that could save your life
MAMMOGRAM TO DETECT BREAST CANCER
A mammogram is a type of X-ray of the breasts to detect cancer, recommended every few years after age 40. Most medical aid schemes will cover mammograms but the public health sector can’t cope with the numbers. Pink Drive is a non-profit organisation that sends mobile clinics all around the country, particularly to rural areas, to offer screening and education about breast and testicular cancer.
Related article: 5 Ways to avoid scary, unexpected health bills
GYNAE APPOINTMENTS FOR OVER 40S
While regular Pap smears (about every 3 years) to detect cancer of the cervix should be continued in the 40s and 50s, gynae appointments at this age also focus on fertility and contraception options, menopause and a clinical breast examination (CBE), performed by the doctor. This examines the breast, nipples and lymph nodes in the armpits for lumps or changes.
AGEING EYES
After age 40, the lenses inside our eyes become less flexible, which makes it difficult to adjust focus on nearby objects. We’ve all seen people trying to read labels in supermarkets, holding a tin at arm’s length. Although simple magnifying specs (‘readers’) may help, it’s good to have an eye test every 2 years to rule out more serious conditions. Glaucoma is related to pressure build-up inside the eye which can damage the optic nerve. A simple test that dilates your pupils allows an eye doctor to see inside your eye. Early glaucoma treatment can prevent blindness.
DIABETES
Type 2 diabetes is a condition that typically starts in the mid-40s. The body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or it can’t use insulin efficiently to break down glucose (sugar) in the blood, needed for energy. A blood test after fasting (no food or drink) for at least 8 hours tests the sugar level. Ask your doctor or CHC sister to check for diabetes if you are very thirsty, need to pass water often, feel very tired or have blurred vision.
COLONOSCOPY AT 50?
It’s recommended to check for colon cancer in your 50s. A colonoscopy involves a flexible tube with a tiny camera being passed up your bowel from your rectum. The specialist can see if anything looks abnormal, and also cut off a sample (called a biopsy) to check for cancer. Less complicated tests include checking for hidden blood in your stool.
Related article: Family health history: Why it’s important and what to know
JET CLUB HELPLINESMEDICAL CARELINE
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Sources: https://www.mediclinicinfohub.co.za/health-screenings-tests-recommended-for-your-age/; https://www.novanthealth.org/healthy-headlines/want-to-stay-healthy-in-your-40s
HEALTH TESTS IN YOUR 40S AND 50S THAT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE
Reviewed by Michelle Pienaar
on
January 20, 2022
Rating:
Reviewed by Michelle Pienaar
on
January 20, 2022
Rating:
