Environment Articles

Better Health After 40

As we get older, we are at an increased risk for many chronic diseases—for about a dozen diseases this risk increases exponentially with each decade. These diseases include heart disease, cancer osteoarthritis, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and osteoporosis.

But many of these conditions are preventable and experts agree that making healthy changes at midlife can reduce the risk of developing several diseases later and slow the progression of existing health problems. In addition, by following a recommended schedule of screening tests at midlife and beyond, many serious health threats can be diagnosed and treated before they become life threatening.

Below is a list of screening exams with recommendations for when to begin and how often they should be carried out.

For Women:

Breast Cancer Screening

• Mammogram
  Beginning at age 40 it should be performed annually
  
  
• Doctor’s breast exam (May detect cancers missed by mammography)
  Beginning at age 20 it should be performed every 3 years. After age 40, annually.

  Cervical Cancer Screening (one of the following)

• Pap smear and pelvic exam
  Once a woman is sexually active or at age 18, it should be performed annually, then every 2 to 3 years after three normal annual Pap smears in a row.
  
  
• Pap smear plus HPV DNA test and pelvic exam (An alternative recommended by some experts as a more precise check for cervical cancer)

  Bone Health

• Bone mineral density test (an indicator of bone strength and osteoporosis)
  Beginning around the age of menopause or earlier for women with previous fragility fractures or a family history of osteoporosis or when taking medications that cause bone loss, or if you have difficulty with calcium absorption.

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For Men:

Prostate Cancer Screening

• Digital rectal exam
  Beginning at age 50 (or 40-45 for those at high risk—black men or those with a family history of prostate cancer) it should be performed annually.
  
  
• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. Blood is tested for high PSA levels, a substance produced by the prostate. High levels may indicate prostate inflammation or cancer.
  Beginning at age 50 (or 40-45 for those at high risk), it should be performed annually.
  

For Both Women and Men:

Colorectal Cancer screening

• Colonoscopy* Outpatient procedure which views the rectum and entire colon. Considered by many as the most accurate colon cancer screening test.
  Beginning at age 50, every 10 years—more often for those with a family history or history of colon polyps.
  
  
• Fecal Occult Blood Test (Stool is tested for blood, a possible sign of colon cancer)
  Beginning at age 50, annually along with a flexible sigmoidoscopy.
  
  
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy* ( An instrument with a tiny camera examines the lower portion of the large intestine)
  Beginning at age 50, every 5 years—in combination with FOBT
  
  
• Air-contrast barium enema* (Barium is given as an enema and air is blown in. This produces an outline of the colon on X-ray and may reveal irregularities in the lining.
  Beginning at age 50, every 5 years

  *These tests are interchangeable and your doctor will determine which type of screening is best for you.

Skin Cancer screening

• Total body skin exam
  Beginning at age 50, or earlier for those with a family or personal history of skin cancer or excessive sun exposure, this screening should be done annually.

  Heart Disease screening

• Blood cholesterol test (Measure total cholesterol as well as LDL and HDL levels, and triglycerides )
  Beginning at age 20, it should be performed every 5 years or more often if your doctor deems advisable.
  
  
• Blood pressure check ( An indicator of heart risk)
  Beginning at age 18, every 2 years—more often if it is above normal
  
  
• Fasting plasma glucose (Measures blood sugar)
  Beginning at age 45, every 3 years, or at your doctor’s discretion

  Eye Disease screening

• Glaucoma test (Measures eye pressure and eye health)
  Beginning at 60 for normal, healthy adults; at age 40 for those with risk factors for glaucoma (family history, nearsightedness, diabetics, or African-Americans

  Thyroid Health

• Thyroid hormone test (Blood test to determine if the thyroid is properly functioning)
  Beginning at age 35, every 5 years.

These screening guidelines are recommended by major national health groups and experts but should not be considered all inclusive. Before undergoing any medical testing you should consult with your doctor.

Several vaccinations are also recommended as protection against illnesses which can have more serious consequences as we get older. They include a tetanus booster every 10 years to restore protection against tetanus infection; pneumonia vaccine which provides lifetime protection against pneumonia (recommended at age 65 or earlier for those with risk factors such as heart failure, lung disease, alcoholism, etc.); influenza vaccine annually beginning at age 50 or earlier if recommended by your doctor.

For more information on disease prevention and testing:
www.cancer.org
www.americanheart.org
http://www.mayoclinic.com
http://www.webmd.com