The age of 40 is a very beautiful and mature turning point in life. By the time people reach this age, they are usually well settled in their career, family and responsibilities. However, this is also the age where our body slowly starts changing internally. After the age of 40, the body's metabolism starts slowing down, muscle mass starts decreasing and many types of fluctuations start occurring in hormonal levels. The biggest concern is that many serious diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes, bad cholesterol and thyroid start growing in the body like 'silent killers' without any obvious symptoms in the beginning. In such a situation, timely identification of diseases before they take serious form is the biggest key to a long and healthy life. By getting regular preventive health checkups and proper medical tests done, you can protect yourself from the risk of serious diseases in time.
1. Blood sugar profile and HbA1c test: Identify the risk of diabetes in time
In today's time, diabetes has become a very common problem due to wrong eating habits and stressful lifestyle. After the age of 40, the insulin sensitivity of the body starts decreasing, due to which the risk of type-2 diabetes increases significantly. For this, it is not enough to just get the normal fasting blood sugar test done, but it is very important to get the HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) test done. The HbA1c test accurately measures your average blood sugar level over the past 3 months. If your sugar level is found to be in the pre-diabetes stage, you can avoid becoming a diabetic patient only by making changes in diet and exercise. Apart from this, fasting and post-prandial (after eating) sugar tests should also be done regularly.
2. Lipid Profile and Cardiac Health Checkup: Keep the heart always strong and safe
After the age of 40, the risk of heart diseases increases manifold. Accumulation of bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides in the arteries can cause blockage, which in turn increases the risk of heart attack or stroke. Lipid profile test measures the levels of good cholesterol (HDL), bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides in your blood. If anyone in your family has a history of heart disease, then along with lipid profile, also get ECG (electrocardiogram) and TMT (treadmill test) done on the advice of the doctor. These tests give an accurate idea of your heart's health and its functionality in time.
3. Bone Density Test (DEXA Scan) and Vitamin Profile: The Secret of Strong Bones
After the age of 40, bone density starts decreasing rapidly in both men and women. Especially in women, as they approach menopause, due to reduction in estrogen hormone, bones start becoming weak and hollow, which is called osteoporosis. For this, DEXA scan or bone mineral density test should be done, which reveals the strength of the bones. Apart from this, it is also very important to get Vitamin D3 and Vitamin B12 tested. A large population in India is suffering from Vitamin D and B12 deficiency. Their deficiency causes joint pain, muscle strain, nerve weakness and constant fatigue.
4. Kidney and Liver Function Test (KFT & LFT): Detox Take care of the health of the organs.
Liver and kidney are the two most important organs of our body which work to remove harmful toxins from the body. After the age of 40, pressure on these organs increases due to unhealthy diet, alcohol, smoking and regular consumption of medicines. Liver function test (LFT) detects problems like fatty liver, disturbances in liver enzymes and jaundice. Whereas in Kidney Function Test (KFT) the levels of creatinine, urea and uric acid are checked. If any minor problem starts in kidney or liver, then its treatment becomes possible in the initial stage itself through these blood tests.
5. Thyroid Profile (TSH, Free T3 & T4): Keep control on metabolism and weight.
The thyroid gland plays a key role in controlling our body's metabolism, energy levels and weight. After 40, the problem of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism becomes very common in men and especially women. Sudden weight gain or loss, excessive hair fall, mood swings, tiredness and extreme cold or heat can be symptoms of thyroid disturbance. It is very easy to check thyroid levels by getting TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone), Free T3 and Free T4 tests done. By starting the medicine at the right time, thyroid can be kept completely under control.
6. Gender-Specific Cancer Screenings: Specific tests for men and women
After the age of 40, it becomes very important to get timely screening of serious diseases like cancer. For women after 40, mammography test should be done every year or once in two years, which helps in early identification of breast cancer symptoms. Apart from this, it is very mandatory to get Pap Smear test done every 3 years to check for cervical cancer. Whereas for men, the risk of prostate cancer starts increasing after the age of 40-45. For this, PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test should be done. This is a simple blood test that detects any inflammation or risk of cancer in the prostate gland in time.
7. Complete Blood Count (CBC) and Eye Checkup: Basic but important health checkups
Complete blood count (CBC) is a basic blood test that measures the levels of hemoglobin, red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), and platelets in your body. This reveals anemia (blood deficiency), any kind of infection and immunity level. Along with this, it is natural for there to be changes in eyesight after the age of 40. To avoid the risk of presbyopia (weak near vision) and cataract or glaucoma, get a comprehensive eye exam and intraocular pressure test done once a year.
Taking care of health after the age of 40 is not a difficult task, you just need to change your priorities a little. By making these important tests a part of your annual health routine, eating a balanced diet and exercising for 30 minutes daily, you can keep diseases away and live every phase of life with energy and enthusiasm.
