TEST
Blood Sugar (Diabetes) Check
WHY
Diabetes affects more than 23 million Americans, ups risks of heart disease and stroke, and can lead to kidney disease and blindness.
Mammogram
Tis exam is used for the screening of breast cancer. Tere are two types of mammograms, film (traditional) and digital. According to the National Cancer Institute, both are effective for spotting tumors, but research shows that digital mammography is significantly better for women who are younger than age 50 or who have very dense breasts.
Vitamin D Screening
Vitamin D is an important nutrient that helps protect your bones, which become more brittle with age. It is also helpful in the defense against heart disease, diabetes and some cancers.
TEST Colonoscopy WHY
To screen for colon cancer. Colon cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women and men and risk increases with age. It’s oſten curable if detected early.
Thyroid Test
High TSH levels can mean hypothyroid- ism (under-active thyroid), which can cause unexplained weight gain, fatigue, dry skin, and brittle nails. And low levels indicate hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), which is marked by a fast pulse, insomnia, and weight loss that can’t be attributed to diet or activity changes. Tyroid problems are more common in older people.
Bone Density (DEXA) Scan
Tis x-ray measures bone mass (the amount of calcium and minerals in bones), a key indicator of bone strength. Your estrogen level plummets as you age, upping your risk for osteopenia, or low bone mass, which can lead to osteo- porosis if not treated. Women who are Caucasian or of Southeast Asian descent are at higher risk, as well as those with small frames or family histories of the condition.
HOW OFTEN
Typically every 3 years aſter age 45 however, special circumstances such as family history, high blood pressure or cholesterol, may lead to earlier and more regular testing.
Annually starting at age 40.
Talk to a family physician about this. Your risk for a deficiency of this vitamin rises with age since your body becomes less efficient at synthesizing it.
HOW OFTEN
Every 5 to 10 years, unless your doctor recommends otherwise. Start testing earlier if you have a family history of the disease.
Every 5 years. However, if you start to notice symptoms earlier, don’t wait to get checked. Te American Tyroid Association is pushing for screening to start at age 35.
Talk to a family physician about this. Your risk for a deficiency of this vitamin rises with age since your body becomes less efficient at synthesizing it.
health_fitness.indd 6
AKA Mom | Winter 2011 | 57 11/8/11 10:39:37 PM
Heath•Fitness
YOUR 50’s
YOUR 40’s
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