Wellness Check-ups for Every Age
by Michele Krauss

The Southern California lifestyle offers many benefits: year-round sunshine, warm temperatures, and the opportunity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. With all our geographical perks, it makes sense to keep fit inside and out. Getting preventive about our health as we age can not only enhance life satisfaction, it can help us avoid potentially life-threatening conditions. But what specific things should we be looking for? Follow this guide for information on many of the health tests and screenings you should have at certain ages.*

30’s

Full body skin check
Given the fact that we get year round sunshine, yearly skin checks are vital in the early discovery of skin cancers. Have your partner or a friend help you examine your body for any suspicious moles or growths. Changes in color and shape of moles, marks, or birthmarks may warrant closer investigation.

Cholesterol
High cholesterol levels are a risk factor for heart disease and stroke. The good news, though, is that high cholesterol levels can be treated by diet and medications. That’s why it’s important to measure your cholesterol levels regularly. Get checked at least once every five years or more frequently if you’re at higher risk. Even a healthy diet and exercise can’t displace a family history of heart disease.

Blood Pressure
Blood pressure often rises as we age. Both men and women can benefit from annual blood pressure screenings. Hypertension has the dubious reputation of sneaking up on us. Don’t let it ruin your good health.

Pap Smear
Annual gynecological exams are a must in steering clear of several types of reproductive cancers.

40’s

Mammogram
Mammography plays a key role in early detection of breast cancers because it can show changes in the breast up to two years before a patient or physician can feel them. The American Medical Association recommends screening mammography every year for women, beginning at age 40. Research has shown that annual mammograms lead to early detection of breast cancers, when they are most curable.

Blood Sugar
Type 2 Diabetes is a deadly, yet preventable disease. Along with choosing a healthy diet and keeping your weight in check, having your blood sugar tested every two years starting at age 40 is a surefire method in avoiding this condition.

Thyroid test
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck over the trachea, or windpipe. Its job is to extract iodine from blood to produce two hormones — thyroxine and triiodothyronine — that regulate the energy use of virtually every cell and organ in the body. Women are four times as likely to experience thyroid problems as men. Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) can manifest itself as low energy, depression, or cold hands and feet. Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) can make one feel jittery or restless.Have your thyroid checked once every five years with a simple blood test.

50’s

Colon cancer
Consider having a routine colonoscopy once every ten years, or more often if you’re at risk. This test involves a lighted scope used by a doctor to view the inside of the entire colon. The American Cancer Society says 112,000 people are diagnosed with colon cancer annually. Don’t give up your chance to fight this deadly disease.

Prostate Check
Prostate cancer ranks as the number two culprit in death rates among men in the United States. Number one is heart disease. So it makes perfect sense to have your prostate checked yearly. Combines with a PSA blood test, it’s the smartest way to outsmart prostate problems.

60+

Hearing Test
Have your hearing checked by a professional at least once a year after 60.

Bone Density
As we age, we lose bone mass. Osteoporosis is a major risk, and can raise your risk of fracture.

Get The Most Out of Your Doctor Visits
Getting the recommended tests at the right times is key in living a long and healthy life. In order to ensure that, be honest and forthright with your doctor. Let him or her know about any family history of health issues, your own lifestyle choices, past immunizations, and which health tests are available to you.