Preventive Exams Based on Age and Gender
Do you prioritize preventive care? It is imperative to recognize the importance of health and wellness before any major concerns arise. Detecting or being diagnosed with health concerns might be preventable via age and gender appropriate health screenings and checkups. Adopt a proactive approach to healthcare by listening to your body, seeking professional advice when necessary, and remembering that prevention is the best defense.
Even if you are feeling 100% healthy and take all the appropriate measures to follow a healthy diet and exercise schedule, you could still be at risk. Certain exams should be a routine part of your personal health screening roadmap. Check out the below for more specific details on these preventive exams:
For Women:
In Your 20s:
Annual Physical Exam: A yearly check-up helps establish a baseline for your health and allows you to address any immediate concerns, especially if there are pre-existing conditions or genetic risk factors.
Gynecological Visits: Pap smears and breast exams can screen for ovarian, cervical, and breast cancers. Self-breast exams can be performed monthly, whereas frequency of clinical breast exams and pap smears will be determined by your doctor based on results and health history. Hormonal changes or irregular menstrual cycles may also be discussed. Sexually active women should also discuss sexually transmitted disease testing with your healthcare provider.
In Your 30s (everything from your 20s plus):
Mammogram: Begin discussing mammogram screenings with your doctor around age 35, especially if you have a family history of breast cancer. Healthcare professionals may recommend beginning sooner depending on any markers or once you hit your 40s.
Skin Check: Consider regular dermatological checkups of the entire body. Be mindful of protecting your skin from the sun (even in the winter!) especially if you have a history of sunburn or suspicious moles.
In Your 40s (everything from your 30s plus):
Cholesterol and Blood Pressure: Monitor cholesterol levels and blood pressure regularly to manage heart disease risk. Doctors may recommend consulting with a cardiologist for any abnormal results.
Gynecological Visits: Think about your menstrual cycle and when you may begin pre-menopause. There are several factors to consider and certain symptoms may begin to present. These visits and conversations can help address any early signs.
In Your 50s and Beyond (everything in your 40s plus):
Colonoscopy: Unless there is family history or symptoms that require it sooner, begin these screenings to diagnose gastrointestinal diseases and protect against colon cancer.
Bone Density Test: Regular bone density tests should be part of your health monitoring routine, especially for women at higher risk for osteoporosis and calcium loss.
Vision, Dental, and Hearing Tests: Regular eye exams, dental cleanings, and hearing tests become increasingly important as vision loss and hearing loss and dental deterioration are common as you age.
For Men:
In Your 20s:
Annual Physical Exam: Visit your doctor for annual physical exams. At this age, doctors can also begin to screen for high cholesterol and testicular cancer while also reviewing any markers from family medical history. Sexually active men should also discuss sexually transmitted disease testing with your healthcare provider.
In Your 30s (everything from your 20s plus):
Heart and Skin Health: Keep an eye on your metabolism and weight and any causes of high blood pressure such as added stress from family life, career, or personal aspirations. In addition, regular dermatological check-ups of the entire body can be beneficial for your body’s outer most layer.
In Your 40s (everything from your 30s plus):
Continued Heart Health and Urology: Doctors may start to more closely monitor the state of your heart and skeletal makeup of your bones. Additional screenings at this age might include diabetes, prostate and colorectal cancer, and gut health/weight.
In Your 50s and Beyond (everything in your 40s plus):
Extra Attention to Health: Depending on family history, doctors may prescribe screenings or colonoscopies (doctors may advise annually or every few years) to diagnose gastrointestinal diseases and protect against colon cancer or polyps.
Vision, Dental, and Hearing Tests: Regular eye exams, dental cleanings, and hearing tests become increasingly important as vision loss and hearing loss and dental deterioration are common as you age.
Your healthcare providers should be aware of any new symptoms or concerns that present themselves in any part of your body. As with any health concern, immediately seek medical attention if you are concerned. Practicing healthy habits, staying on top of your health, not ignoring signs, and following a checklist based on gender and age, you’ll become more confident in the longevity of your health and wellness.
