Milestone Medical Tests in 20's, 30's, 40's, 50's, 60's and up...........

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Milestone Medical Tests in Your 20s and 30s

By Charlotte MathisWebMD Medical Reference

Going to your doctor may be the last thing on your mind right now, but regular check-ups may save your health -- and your life -- later. Starting in your 20s and 30s, your doctor can perform or recommend a number of simple tests to look for problems that can rob people of their health. Here's a list of the basic tests you should ask for. (Note that your doctor may recommend additional tests based on your personal health profile.)

Stepping on the Scales. We all hate to do it, but your weight -- or too much of it -- puts you at high risk for developing a number of diseases later in life. Blood Pressure. It's simple, it's cheap and it's quick. Your heart (and arteries, brain, eyes and kidneys) will thank you later. Cholesterol Profile. You'll need to have blood drawn for a cholesterol test, but it's worth it. Although it's more important for older people -- and for anyone at higher risk of heart disease -- it's a good idea for all of us to know our cholesterol numbers. For Women Only: Breast Exam, Pelvic Exam and Pap. You knew it was coming -- the breast exam, pelvic exam and Pap smear. A yearly clinical breast exam and 10 minutes of mild discomfort from the pelvic exam once every one to three years pay big dividends in protecting you from cancer and diseases that can cause infertility. For Men Only: Testicular Exam. It's not pleasant -- let's face it, it can be downright embarrassing. But the American Cancer Society recommends a testicular exam as part of a routine check-up. Testicular cancer is the #1 cancer in young men, and it's curable if caught early. Looking for Moles. We often forget to protect our skin, so don't forget to ask for a thorough check of your skin. Your doctor should look for unusual moles or skin cancers once every three years. Protecting Your Eyes. You may not have considered this, but at some point you should visit an eye care provider for an exam. (Go more often if you have vision problems. Thyroid Hormone Test. Your thyroid, that innocuous looking gland in your neck, is the body's powerhouse, producing hormones needed for metabolism. Aging (and an erratic immune system) can wreak havoc causing a variety of problems, especially in women. That's why the American Thyroid Association suggests you get a thyroid test at age 35 and then every five years. Checking Your Immunizations. Be sure to ask your doctor to update any immunizations that you might need.

Each year around your birthday, give yourself a gift. Schedule a visit to your dentist, and call your doctor to see if there are important tests you should take. With an investment of an hour or two, you may be able to add years to your life.

Originally published August 2003.Medically updated February 2006.

http://www.webmd.com/solutions/health-simplified/checklist20-30

Milestone Medical Tests in Your 40s

WebMD Medical Reference

How healthy are you? Your 40s are a great time to assess the current state of your health, correct the abuses of your past, and prepare your body for the next four, five (or six!) decades of your life. Your doctor can help by checking you for problems that can rob you of your health. Here's a list of the basic tests you should ask for. (Note that your doctor may recommend additional tests based on your personal health profile.)

Blood Sugar. Decades of eating the wrong food (think chocolate, hot dogs, fries -- you get the picture) plus weight gain (plus hormone changes in women) may have overworked your poor pancreas. It can't keep up and that can lead to diabetes. Starting at age 45, be sure to get a fasting blood sugar test, and then at least once every three years. For Women Only: Breast Exam and Mammogram. You're probably checking your breasts at home regularly (you better!) and your doctor does an exam annually, but most experts recommend adding a mammogram to the mix somewhere between 40 and 50. When to start? Work with your doctor to decide. Blood Pressure. Don't be surprised if your blood pressure starts rising now - that's common. Fortunately, you can lower your blood pressure through diet, exercise and medication. It's worth the effort. Lower blood pressure is a key factor in longevity. Cholesterol Profile. Take heart: this simple blood test could save your life. One in five Americans has high cholesterol, a condition that leads to heart attacks or strokes - diseases that claim a life every 33 seconds! If you have high cholesterol, protect yourself by changing your diet and taking medications such as statins. Stepping on the Scales. You blissfully enjoyed chips and hamburgers while ignoring your expanding waistline, but the scale doesn't like. Pay attention to the results: being overweight puts you at high risk for developing a number of diseases, including diabetes and heart disease. For Women Only: Pelvic Exam and Pap. Yes, you still need these -- especially if you're sexually active. Ten minutes of mild discomfort once every one to three years pays big dividends in protecting you from cancer and sexually transmitted diseases. For Men Only: Testicular Exam. Embarrassment is a poor excuse to skip this important annual test. Testicular cancer is the #1 cancer in young men -- and it's curable if caught early. Looking for Moles. Those years of getting "a healthy tan" can lead to something not so healthy -- skin cancer. Luckily, most skin cancers are curable if detected early and treated. During a routine check-up, ask your doctor to look for unusual moles or skin cancers. Protecting Your Eyes. Having trouble reading or working at the computer? It's not unusual. Be sure to get your eyes examined regularly -- every two to four years to check for common problems like presbyopia, glaucoma and macular degeneration. (Go more often if you have vision problems). Thyroid Hormone Test. Your thyroid, that innocuous looking gland in your neck, is the body's powerhouse, producing hormones needed for metabolism. Aging (and an erratic immune system) can wreak havoc causing a variety of problems, especially in women. That's why the American Thyroid Association suggests you get a thyroid test at age 35 and then every five years. Checking Your Immunizations. Ask your doctor if you need a tetanus booster shot, and whether you should consider a flu shot. This year, give yourself the gift that keeps on giving. Schedule a visit to your dentist, and call your doctor to see if there are important tests you should take. By investing an hour or so with the doctor now, you may be able to add years to your life. Originally published September 2003.Medically reviewed December 2005.

http://www.webmd.com/solutions/health-simplified/checklist40s

Milestone Medical Tests in Your 50s

By Charlotte MathisWebMD Medical Reference

You're in your 50s. It's the prime of your life -- or it should be. Don't let illness rob you of your health. When you go for your annual physical, make sure your doctor performs or recommends these simple tests that may save your health -- and your life -- later. (Note that your doctor may recommend additional tests based on your personal health profile.)

Colon Cancer Screening Tests. Couric got hers on national TV. Colonoscopy is just one of several tests that can be performed to look for colon cancer. A colonoscopy should be done about every 10 years beginning at age 50. You may need to have a colonoscopy earlier and more frequently if you have risk factors. Talk to your doctor to see what's best for you. The Rectal Exam. Dread it, hate it, joke with your friends about it. Just make sure you get one -- every year. Along with other tests your doctor may recommend, it may give clues to treatable problems in your colon (think colon cancer) or prostate for men. For Men Only: PSA-Prostate Exam. Short for prostate specific antigen, this blood test when combined with a rectal exam can effectively detect prostate cancer in most men. Most experts recommend getting both tests every year starting at age 50, but some men may need to start getting PSA testing at age 40. Discuss this with your doctor. Thyroid Hormone Test. Your thyroid, that innocuous looking gland in your neck, is the body's powerhouse, producing hormones needed for metabolism. Aging (and an erratic immune system) can wreak havoc causing a variety of problems, especially in women. That's why the American Thyroid Association suggests you get a thyroid test at age 35 and then every five years. Stepping on the Scales. This is the age when many people start gaining weight. Watch this weight gain carefully, and fight back with healthier eating and exercise. Being overweight puts you at high risk for developing a number of diseases -- and studies show that weight loss can improve your odds. Blood Pressure. Untreated high blood pressure is an equal opportunity killer -- it kills your heart, your brain, your eyes and your kidneys. Don't let hypertension sneak up on you. Get the test. It's simple, it's cheap and it's quick. Cholesterol Profile. Do you have high cholesterol? Find out -- at least once every five years (more if you're at risk for a heart attack). Controlling your cholesterol can add years to your life. Blood Sugar. Untreated diabetes can destroy your health, causing heart disease, kidney failure, and blindness. Don't let it. Get a fasting blood sugar test at least once every three years and take control of diabetes early. For Women Only: Pelvic Exam and Pap. You may think you have suffered enough -- at least 20 years of pelvic exams and Paps! But you still need these -- especially if you're sexually active. Ten minutes of mild discomfort once every one to three years pays big dividends in protecting you from cancer and sexually transmitted diseases. For Women Only: Breast Exam and Mammogram. At this age, don't ever let a year go by without getting a mammogram and having your doctor examine your breasts for any changes. Early detection of breast cancer can save your breast and your life. Looking for Moles. Love your skin. Check your skin monthly for any unusual spots or moles. Be sure to ask your doctor to check your skin once a year, as well. Protecting Your Eyes. Vision-robbing diseases become more common as you age. Be sure to get your eyes examined regularly -- every two to four years. (Go more often if you have vision problems). Checking Your Immunizations. People over age 50 should get a flu shot every year. And don't forget, even healthy people need a tetanus booster shot every 10 years. Be sure to ask your doctor to update any immunizations that you might need. Use your birthday as a gentle reminder to schedule a visit to your dentist, and call your doctor to see if there are important tests you should take. By investing an hour or two now, you may be able to add years to your life. Originally published September 2003.Medically reviewed December 2005.

http://www.webmd.com/solutions/health-simplified/checklist50s

Milestone Medical Tests in Your 60s and Up

By Charlotte MathisWebMD Medical Reference

You deserve to feel good. Just because you are over 60, don't think you can't be independent, vital and healthy. Just look at Connery or Jane Fonda! But do you know what to do to stay healthy? The United States Preventive Services Task Force has put together the following recommendations to keep seniors healthy, happy, and safe. These are simple tests that can be done or ordered when you visit your regular doctor. Your doctor may recommend additional tests based on your personal health profile.

Blood PressureBlood Pressure. You could be one of millions of Americans who have this condition and don't know it. Get your blood pressure checked by your doctor at least once a year. Your heart, not to mention your arteries, brain, eyes, and kidneys, will thank you later.

Stepping on the ScalesStepping on the Scales. Welcome to the weight gain triple whammy: muscle is replaced by fat as we get older. Then, that fat goes to your waist! Also, you don't burn calories as well as before because your body's metabolism is slowing down. Take heed of any weight gain; you could be robbing yourself of good health.

The Rectal ExamThe Rectal Exam. Dread it, hate it, joke with your friends about it. Just make sure you get one -- every year. The rectal exam and a fecal occult blood test (FOBT) will tell if there are any masses or subtle bleeding that can not be seen with the naked eye. Along with other tests your doctor may recommend, it may give clues to treatable problems in your colon (think colon cancer) or prostate for men.

Other Colon Cancer Screening TestsOther Colon Cancer Screening Tests. Couric got hers on national TV. Colonoscopy is just one of several tests that can be performed to look for colon cancer. A colonoscopy should be done every 10 years beginning at age 50. You may need to have a colonoscopy earlier and more frequently if you have risk factors. Talk to your doctor to see what's best for you.

For Women: Breast Exam and MammogramFor Women: Breast Exam and Mammogram. Know this: breast cancer increases with age. Therefore, it's especially important for you to get that annual mammogram and doctor's breast exam. A mammogram is recommended every one to two years after the age of 40.

For Women: Pelvic Exam and Pap SmearFor Women: Pelvic Exam and Pap Smear. You may think it's crazy, but many women over 60 still need to get regular pelvic exams and Pap smears. Women over 60 can get cervical cancer or vaginal cancer. And the pelvic exam can detect a host of other conditions that may affect your health and quality of life (think incontinence!). Pap smears are recommended for women every three years. If a woman is over 65 years old and has had three negative pap smears in a row or has had a total hysterectomy, a pap smear can be omitted.

Protecting Your EyesProtecting Your Eyes. Eye diseases, such as macular degeneration and glaucoma, are common with age. Your eyes should be checked every one to two years after the age of 65. Screening can preserve and maximize your vision. Go more often if you have vision problems.

Hearing TestHearing Test. Hearing loss is a common health problem, and it becomes more common after age 50. If you notice any signs, ask your doctor for a hearing test.

Protect Your BonesProtect Your Bones. Osteoporosis is no joke. If you have it and you suffer a fracture -- especially of the hip -- you've significantly increased your risk of permanent disability or death. Get serious and ask your doctor to refer you for a bone density test. Women should have a bone density test at age 65. If a woman is at a higher risk, a screening test should be done at age 60.

Cholesterol ScreeningCholesterol Screening. High cholesterol levels are a major reason why people have heart attacks and strokes. The good news, though, is that high cholesterol levels can be treated by diet and medications. That is why measuring your levels of total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) is important to do regularly.

Checking Your ImmunizationsChecking Your Immunizations. People over 65 should get a pneumococcal vaccine to protect against pneumonia. Anyone over 50 should get a yearly flu shot. A tetanus booster is recommended every 10 years.

Also important, but not endorsed by the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force, are the following tests:

Blood SugarBlood Sugar. Diabetes is a potentially life-threatening condition, but it doesn't have to be. The American Diabetes Association recommends that a fasting blood sugar test be done at least once every three years, so you can catch diabetes early and manage it.

Thyroid Hormone TestThyroid Hormone Test. Thyroid problems are easily missed. That's why screening at least once every five years is important, especially for women, according to the American Thyroid Association. Your thyroid, that innocuous-looking gland in your neck is the body's powerhouse, producing hormones needed for metabolism. Problems with the thyroid can cause hair loss, weight gain or weight loss, fatigue, and depression.

Looking for MolesLooking for Moles. Remember this: Although the majority of your sun exposure occurred before age 18, skin cancers can take decades to develop. Luckily, most skin cancers are curable if detected early and treated. The American Cancer Society recommends regular screening. So don't forget to ask your doctor to check your skin for unusual moles or skin changes during check-ups.

Dental Exam. Gum disease can an important indicator of your overall health. Your teeth, gums, mouth, and throat need to be regularly examined by a dentist. Regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing is so important if you want to keep your pearly whites gleaming.

Medical screening tests are gifts that keep on giving -- you'll enjoy better health and you may add years to your life. So make a note to schedule a visit to your dentist and call your doctor each year around your birthday. These visits only take an hour or two of your time, and the results are priceless.

Originally published September 2003.Medically reviewed January 2006.

http://www.webmd.com/solutions/health-simplified/checklist60s