Ladies, here's a New Year's Resolution for you: get tested. Why? Because your risk of certain diseases, such as cancer and cardiovascular disease, increases with age—and many of the scarier diseases are symptomless. But it’s not all doom and gloom. Early detection makes a difference. Consider these stats to screen for these common diseases. (If you have a family history of a certain disease, ask your physician if you should screen earlier.)
Age 20
Test: Blood Pressure
Frequency: Every two years, if blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg or below; more frequently if either number is higher
To Keep Tabs On: Heart Health
Age 20s-30s
Test: Clinical breast exam by a physician
Frequency: Every three years
To Keep Tabs On: Breast Cancer
Age 30-65
Test: Pap Test
Frequency: Every five years
To Keep Tabs On: Cervical Cancer
Age 40
Test: Mammogram
Frequency: Every year
To Keep Tabs On: Breast Cancer
Age 45
Test: Blood Glucose
Frequency: Every three years
To Keep Tabs On: Prediabetes or diabetes
Age 50
Test: Physical Exam including Height Measurement
Frequency: Every Year
To Keep Tabs On: Osteoporosis
Age 50
Test: Colonoscopy
Frequency: Every ten years
To Keep Tabs On: Colon Cancer
BY: ANDREA MIESNIEKS Article from January/February 2016 Living Healthy Everyday Magazine. Download your copy here. It's free!