According to most medical guidelines, women over 50 are almost always at risk for some type of chronic health problem like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, impaired vision, or arthritis. Even for women who have kept impeccable health through balanced nutrition and regular exercise, need an annual health checkup.
Women around the age of 65, even those with trouble-free health records, have to now start visiting the doctor and diagnostic labs for regular checkups. Women in this age range are susceptible to certain health problems simply due to aging, and they are expected to get annual physical checkups done. This article provides some general guidelines on routine checkups.
For more exhaustive list of health checkups and list of authoritative references, you can review the following link: Health Screening Tests for Women above 65 Years.
Here are some common screening tests conducted on women over 65:
Routine Preventive Healthcare Tests:
The annual physical exam is a must for all women over 65, if you want to live a long, trouble-free life. During your annual exam, your doctor’s office will record your height, weight, and body mass index (BMI), which are superlative indicators of hidden diseases. If your annual checkup does not indicate a problem, you will have to watch for sudden symptoms making their presence known, which indicates a change in your body.
Blood Pressure Screening
Whether you have high blood pressure or not, it’s a good idea to have it checked a couple of times a year. If you have developed high blood pressure, then you will have to strictly follow the regimen provided by your GP.
Cholesterol Screening
A cholesterol check should be part of your annual physical exam. High blood pressure in conjunction with high cholesterol can aggravate heart-related conditions.
Sugar Screening
Get tested for blood sugar along with your routine health checkup.
Heart condition checkup
If you have normal cholesterol, then you may schedule your heart for a checkup once every 2 to 3 years. If you are suffering from high blood sugar, high blood pressure, or kidney problems, you will need to have a heart screening test completed once a year.
Routine Special Tests:
Obtain an annual vision, dental, and hearing tests. In case of a pre-existing condition such as glaucoma, you must regularly visit your specialist and follow the medical regimen provided by the doctor.
Osteoporosis Screening
Generally, women suffer from bone-related problems including osteoporosis. At the age of 65, it is prudent to have a bone density test to ensure you are in decent, bone health. Apart from a healthy diet and regular exercise, there is no treatment for bone diseases since the human bone structure naturally degenerates with age.
Special Healthcare Tests:
Pap Smear
Once you have crossed 65, and shown negative on three consecutive pap smear tests within a span of 10 years, you can stop taking those tests. Click on the link for more detailed information.
Breast Exams
You can learn to do a self-examination on a monthly basis. If you ever notice any lump, tumor, or pain, contact a specialist. Request a complete breast examination during your visit to the physician. Additionally, you should repeat a mammogram examination every other year. Please follow this link for additional information: mammogram.
Note: Physicians frequently disagree on the merits of a mammogram test for women 65+, so you may have to insist on a full mammogram test.
Colon Cancer Screening: You can ask for a colonoscopy to be done once every 5 years with your annual exam for colitis, ulcers, or growths in the colon region. If your physician notices any problems, he or she will guide you to some more specific tests.
An annual health checkup is one way to stay ahead of any health related issues you may face.
