You’re not as young as you once were but still feel as lively as when you were in your teens. You work out every day and keep a healthy diet. If you’re over 50 it might not be enough. When you get to 50 your body is already quite worn down. It has, after all, been busy living for quite a while!
That’s why no matter how young you feel at heart you should always get an annual check-up from your doctor or doctors. Here is a short list of the most useful tests to take yearly in order to stay healthy well into your golden years.
1. Physical Exam
Regardless of gender you should schedule a general physical exam with your doctor each year. A general physical mostly consists of a few minutes of poking and prodding, a little listening with the stethoscope and a search for skin issues, along with a detail questionnaire about your family history, your health over the past few months to a year and an extended discussion with the doctor about one problem or another.
There is also the touchy (for some) issue of the prostate exam. While many women choose to see a specialist for their HPV and Pap tests men rarely see the urologist unless there is actually a problem with their prostate.
2. Colonoscopy
Perhaps you don’t need a colonoscopy on a yearly basis but getting one every few years is essential. Colon cancer is the second most deadly cancer in the US and with smoker numbers dropping it is quickly gaining ground on the lead.
Colonoscopy gets an unfair reputation as being quite painful or at least uncomfortable but the truth is that between the anesthesia and the professional medical staff you’ll likely not feel a thing.
3. Blood Panel
A basic blood test is reasonably cheap, easy to get (you can order one yourself at: http://www.healthtestingcenters.com/essential-health-screen.aspx or by walking into the nearest clinic) and can tell a doctor a wealth of knowledge about your actual health state. Blood chemistry and lipid panels can help correctly diagnose nutritional diseases like obesity and diabetes as well as a host of initially asymptomatic diseases like heart conditions.
A blood panel is an essential cheap way to gauge your health status without going through the trouble of a more in-depth investigation.
4. Blood Pressure & ECG
A blood pressure test is easily administered in the privacy of your own home, if you have the required device. If you don’t your doctor certainly does and will probably use it during your yearly check-up. The ECG is also important as it can tell your doctor if there’s anything wrong with your heart rhythm.
Recently wearable ECG devices have become widespread, and patients that are suspect of heart problems can be required to wear one for several days then return it for inspection.
5. Eye Exam
Last but not least is the dreaded eye exam. As you grow older your vision starts slowly failing especially if you work extensively before a screen. This is a painless exam but it is an essential one as bad eyesight (or the wrong lenses) can cause headaches or dizziness as well as a lot more damage if you’re behind the wheel of a car!
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