To pre-empt problems when you're older, it's wise to get checked out for certain things sooner rather than later...
Feeling healthy right now? Don't be too complacent; research found that almost half of people in their late 30s are at increased risk of illness and poor health later in life, as we put off making positive changes to our lifestyle. "Your 40s are the perfect opportunity to press the 'reset' button on health habits to make a lasting difference to your overall wellbeing," says Dr Chris Tomkins, head of proactive health at a healthcare centre. Prevention really is better than cure: "Most test results can give you peace of mind and if a problem is picked up, treatment is more effective the earlier an issue is identified," says women's health expert, Dr Marilyn Glenville. It's time to get checked out...
Cervical smear
Why? Although cervical cancer is most common in women between the ages of 30-35, it's still vital to have regular smear tests. You should have one every three years between 25-49, and every five years between 50-64.
What is it? A smear involves taking a small sample from the cervix (the neck of the womb) to check for any abnormal cells that might lead to cervical cancer. Almost all cervical cancer is caused by the HPV virus, which is initially contracted by sexual activity. "However, it may lay dormant for years before it starts to cause cancerous cells on your cervix," warns Dr Pixie. "If you have bleeding between periods or after sex your should see your GP," she adds.
Mammogram
Why? Breast awareness is very important at any age, because breast cancer, the most common cancer in the UK, affects one in eight women. "Attending mammograms every three years is vital," advises Lloyds Pharmacy pharmacist Alison Freemantle.
What is it? This is an x-ray of both breasts to look for any changes that might suggest cancer. Women between the age of 47 and 53 should get it done. Regular breast checking is incredibly important, too; see your GP immediately if you notice any changes to your breast tissue, such as irregular lumps or bumps, or skin dimpling.
Regular eye tests
Why? Having an eye check once a year with a qualified ophthalmologist is important, no matter what your age.
What is it? A simple test, where the ophthalmologist looks into the back of your eye with a special torch, can highlight health conditions such as diabetes and glaucoma and also check for eye conditions that result in a gradual loss of vision, which can't be treated with glasses — such as cataracts and macular degeneration, the most common form of vision loss in the over 50s.
Bowel checks
Why? Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK but accounts for the second highest number of deaths, so it's essential to have regular tests.
What is it? This involves submitting a specimen of your stool for analysis. "It's important to catch bowel cancer early, so get checked out at 40," says Dr HelenWebberley, medical director of an online tests site. "The test can detect tiny amounts of blood in the stool which can indicate cancer or precancerous polyps. These polyps can be removed before they go on to cause any harm."
Bone health
Why? The health of your bones becomes even more important once you hit the menopause. "Past 50, one of our greatest risks is osteoporosis," comments Dr Marilyn Glenville. This is because a drop in oestrogen for a prolonged period can cause a loss in bone mass. "Have a bone density scan, especially if you have a family history of osteoporosis, or any other risk factors for the condition such as being a heavy drinker and smoker, or suffering from rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn's disease," says Dr Glenville.
What is it? An x-ray that uses very low doses of radiation to take pictures of your spine and hips while you are lying down. Dr Glenville also recommends having a 'bone turnover' test — a urine test which detects whether you're losing bone mass on a daily basis. "This shows if you need extra nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D." Consider having a vitamin D test too, because it's essential in helping our bodies absorb calcium.
Hearing
Why? Hearing loss is a common problem as we age, "but most people suffer from it for up to 10 years before seeking help," says Alison Freemantle. Hearing loss can be gradual and often begins with having difficulty hearing people speak when there's a lot of background noise. This can affect quality of life and make a person feel isolated. If you have problems hearing, it could also signify an infection or ear disease, so visit your GP. If you haven't had a hearing test since childhood it's worth having one to check everything is as it should be.
What is it? There is a free Lloyds Pharmacy hearing test, which is carried out by a fully qualified Sonetik audiologist. "The test takes about 10 minutes and checks for levels of hearing loss," explains Alison. "And if a hearing aid is suitable, Lloyds Pharmacy offers a free trial." http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/Vital-health-checks-every-woman-should-have/articleshow/48810112.cms
Feeling healthy right now? Don't be too complacent; research found that almost half of people in their late 30s are at increased risk of illness and poor health later in life, as we put off making positive changes to our lifestyle. "Your 40s are the perfect opportunity to press the 'reset' button on health habits to make a lasting difference to your overall wellbeing," says Dr Chris Tomkins, head of proactive health at a healthcare centre. Prevention really is better than cure: "Most test results can give you peace of mind and if a problem is picked up, treatment is more effective the earlier an issue is identified," says women's health expert, Dr Marilyn Glenville. It's time to get checked out...
Cervical smear
Why? Although cervical cancer is most common in women between the ages of 30-35, it's still vital to have regular smear tests. You should have one every three years between 25-49, and every five years between 50-64.
What is it? A smear involves taking a small sample from the cervix (the neck of the womb) to check for any abnormal cells that might lead to cervical cancer. Almost all cervical cancer is caused by the HPV virus, which is initially contracted by sexual activity. "However, it may lay dormant for years before it starts to cause cancerous cells on your cervix," warns Dr Pixie. "If you have bleeding between periods or after sex your should see your GP," she adds.
Mammogram
Why? Breast awareness is very important at any age, because breast cancer, the most common cancer in the UK, affects one in eight women. "Attending mammograms every three years is vital," advises Lloyds Pharmacy pharmacist Alison Freemantle.
What is it? This is an x-ray of both breasts to look for any changes that might suggest cancer. Women between the age of 47 and 53 should get it done. Regular breast checking is incredibly important, too; see your GP immediately if you notice any changes to your breast tissue, such as irregular lumps or bumps, or skin dimpling.
Regular eye tests
Why? Having an eye check once a year with a qualified ophthalmologist is important, no matter what your age.
What is it? A simple test, where the ophthalmologist looks into the back of your eye with a special torch, can highlight health conditions such as diabetes and glaucoma and also check for eye conditions that result in a gradual loss of vision, which can't be treated with glasses — such as cataracts and macular degeneration, the most common form of vision loss in the over 50s.
Bowel checks
Why? Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK but accounts for the second highest number of deaths, so it's essential to have regular tests.
What is it? This involves submitting a specimen of your stool for analysis. "It's important to catch bowel cancer early, so get checked out at 40," says Dr HelenWebberley, medical director of an online tests site. "The test can detect tiny amounts of blood in the stool which can indicate cancer or precancerous polyps. These polyps can be removed before they go on to cause any harm."
Bone health
Why? The health of your bones becomes even more important once you hit the menopause. "Past 50, one of our greatest risks is osteoporosis," comments Dr Marilyn Glenville. This is because a drop in oestrogen for a prolonged period can cause a loss in bone mass. "Have a bone density scan, especially if you have a family history of osteoporosis, or any other risk factors for the condition such as being a heavy drinker and smoker, or suffering from rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn's disease," says Dr Glenville.
What is it? An x-ray that uses very low doses of radiation to take pictures of your spine and hips while you are lying down. Dr Glenville also recommends having a 'bone turnover' test — a urine test which detects whether you're losing bone mass on a daily basis. "This shows if you need extra nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D." Consider having a vitamin D test too, because it's essential in helping our bodies absorb calcium.
Hearing
Why? Hearing loss is a common problem as we age, "but most people suffer from it for up to 10 years before seeking help," says Alison Freemantle. Hearing loss can be gradual and often begins with having difficulty hearing people speak when there's a lot of background noise. This can affect quality of life and make a person feel isolated. If you have problems hearing, it could also signify an infection or ear disease, so visit your GP. If you haven't had a hearing test since childhood it's worth having one to check everything is as it should be.
What is it? There is a free Lloyds Pharmacy hearing test, which is carried out by a fully qualified Sonetik audiologist. "The test takes about 10 minutes and checks for levels of hearing loss," explains Alison. "And if a hearing aid is suitable, Lloyds Pharmacy offers a free trial." http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/Vital-health-checks-every-woman-should-have/articleshow/48810112.cms
No comments:
Post a Comment