Collin County Living Well Magazine May/June 2016 | Page 43

in your

40 ’ s

your health check-up through the ages

General Health

• Get a full checkup including height and weight and blood work .
• Speak with your doctor about any concerns with sleep habits
• Discuss with your doctor about having a thyroid ( TSH ) test
• HIV screening - get this test if you are at risk for HIV infection ( unprotected sex , sexually transmitted disease , or used drugs with needles )
• Hepatitis C ( HCV ) screening - get this one-time screening if you were born between 1945 and 1965

Heart Health

• Blood Pressure test every 2 years
• Have a complete cholesterol panel including your LDL , HDL , and triglycerides

Bone Health

• Discuss with your doctor whether to have a bone density screen

Immunizations

• Yearly flu vaccine
• Tetanus - diphtheria - perfussis booster vaccine every 10 years

Diabetes

• have your blood glucose or A1c test if you have sustained blood pressure greater than 135 / 80 , take medicine for high blood pressure or at risk for developing diabetes .

Breast Health

• Conduct monthly self breast exams and let your doctor know about changes
• Have a yearly clinical breast exam
• Have a mammogram every 2 years

Reproductive Health

• Pap Test at least every 3 years
• Yearly pelvic exam
• HPV testing
• Speak to your doctor about a contraceptive method with less cardiovascular risk factors

Mental Health Screening

• Depression is the most common women ’ s health problem . Discuss with your doctor any symptoms you may be experiencing

Skin and Eye Health

• Monthly self-exam of skin and moles and as part of a routine full physical checkup • Comprehensive baseline eye exam every 2-4 years

Oral Health

• Dental cleaning and exam every 12-14 months

Weight

• After 40 cut 100 calories a day . Eat every 3-4 hours to keep your metabolism up and maintain your weight .
Sources : US Department of Health and Human Services Offi ce on Women ’ s Health , Center for Disease Control and Prevention .