As we hit our mid-thirties and beyond, taking care of our health becomes increasingly important. It’s a time when preventive measures can make a big difference in catching potential issues early and maintaining overall well-being. Here’s a rundown of some key health checks recommended for those aged 35 and older to keep you feeling your best.
Blood Tests: So, first up on our health checklist are blood tests. These are like a sneak peek into what’s happening inside your body. They can tell us if our cholesterol levels are in check (aim for under 200 for total cholesterol and under 150 for triglycerides), if we might have anemia, or even if diabetes could be lurking. Getting a lipid panel done between ages 35 to 40 sets a baseline, so you know what’s normal for you.
Diabetes Screening: Now, diabetes screening might not be something you’ve thought about much, especially if you don’t have any risk factors. But starting at 35, it’s a good idea to get checked. Diabetes doesn’t always come with warning signs, and catching it early can really make a difference. If you’ve got other risk factors like being overweight, having high blood pressure, or a family history of diabetes, your doctor might recommend starting screenings even earlier.
Blood Pressure Test: Ah, the good old blood pressure test. It’s quick, painless, and oh-so-important. Ideally, your blood pressure should be below 120/80. If it’s looking good, you might just need to check it once a year to stay on top of things.
Complete Blood Count (CBC): Ever heard of a CBC? It’s like a full-body check for your blood. This test can tell us if there’s anything off, like signs of anemia or infections. A clean bill of health here means your blood’s doing its job right.
Eye Exam: Time to focus on those peepers! Regular eye exams become more important as we get older. They can spot early signs of vision problems, glaucoma, and other eye conditions that might sneak up on us.
Dental Check-Up: Last but definitely not least, let’s not forget our pearly whites. Regular dental check-ups aren’t just about keeping our smiles bright (although that’s a nice bonus!). They also help catch gum disease and other dental issues early, which can affect our overall health.
Taking these steps might not be the most exciting part of adulting, but they’re pretty essential for staying healthy and feeling good as we move through our thirties and beyond. So, why not make a plan to tick off these health checks soon? Your future self will thank you for it!
