Good Health at Every Age
Staying Well in Your 40s and 50s
Healthy Living 101
In addition to the screenings and vaccines outlined on this chart, it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes regular self-exams to monitor health conditions. If you notice any changes to your body, be sure to schedule a doctor’s appointment to discuss your concerns.
The following article is the second of a 3-part series on maintaining good health through the decades, outlining primary health considerations and recommended screenings for various age groups — your 20s and 30s, your 40s and 50s, and your 60s and beyond.
June 2006 — You may feel as young and energetic as ever, but when you’re in your 40s and 50s, your body could be starting to show some signs of the advancing years. And while you can cover the gray hair and take advantage of the latest cosmetic technology to undo a few lines and wrinkles, you may not be aware of other changes taking place inside your body.
Women in their 40s are moving from the childbearing years toward menopause. You’re no longer building bone mass; rather, you’re beginning to lose it, which can lead to osteoporosis (brittle bones). While a bone mineral density test may not be necessary until the onset of menopause, you can help to reduce your risk for osteoporosis by taking more calcium and vitamin D, and by doing weight-bearing exercises. Hormone replacement therapy may increase bone density and reduce the risk for colorectal cancer, but it also may increase your risk for blood clots and coronary heart disease.
Men in their 40s should pay particular attention to signs of cardiovascular disease and conditions of the prostate and colon. Heart attack, stroke and prostate cancer are more common in older men.
Just What the Doctor Ordered
Although there is no magic pill that can help you keep fit and healthy, you can put the odds in your favor by exercising, eating right, managing stress and seeing your doctor regularly. Routine doctor visits help you stay on track with the health screenings you need. They also can provide an early alert to potential problems, at times when treatment or lifestyle changes are most effective.
This chart provides general healthcare guidelines for men and women, but is not intended to replace your doctor’s medical advice and guidance. Please use it as a reminder to discuss specific screenings with your physician.
| EXAM OR VACCINE | BEGINNING AT AGE | FREQUENCY | MEN ONLY | WOMEN ONLY |
| Blood pressure levels checked | 50 | Annually; cholesterol at least every 5 years | ||
| Bone density test | Onset of menopause | Every 2 years if you have osteoporosis | ||
| Colorectal cancer screening (fecal blood test, colonoscopy and/or sigmoidoscopy) | 50 (or age 40 if a family member had colon cancer) | Baseline at age 50; every 3 to 5 years if baseline is normal | ||
| Digital rectal exam (DRE) | 50 | Annually | ||
| Double contrast barium enema | 50 | Every 5 to 10 years | ||
| Electrocardiogram (ECG) | 40 | Baseline at age 40; as recommended by your physician after age 40 | ||
| Eye exam | 50 | Every three years until age 50; annually after 50 | ||
| Flu shot | 50 | Annually | ||
| Mammogram | 40 | Every 1-2 years | ||
| Physical exam | 40 | Every 2 years | ||
| Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test | 50 | Annually | ||
| Tetanus/diphtheria booster (td) | 50 | Every 10 years |
DAILY
- Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet
- Drink alcohol only in moderation
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Don’t smoke
- Stay physically active
- Wear sunscreen
MONTHLY
- Breast self-exam (women)
- Testicular self-exam (men)
- Oral self-exam (gums, teeth, lips, tongue)
- Full-body exam for moles and suspicious skin growths
ANNUALLY
- Dental exam (or every 6 months)
- Pelvic exam and pap smear (women)
EVERY 5 YEARS
- Full lipid profile test for cholesterol and triglycerides
Your healthcare provider is an important partner in your health and wellness. If you would like to a referral to a physician, please call the Memorial Physician Referral Service toll-free at (800) 944-DOCS. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.