Preventative health tests you need at every age

Good health is something that’s easy to take for granted when you’re young. But as we age, it’s important to ensure we’re maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle to ensure we feel our best. And catching any health problems early can also help us to seek treatment and hopefully stay healthy for longer.

Of course, if you have a pre-existing condition, high risk factors, or family history of certain diseases, it’s important you speak to your doctor about what tests you might need, and how often.

These are the preventative health tests you might want to consider throughout your life if you’re in good health.

20-40 years

These are usually your healthiest years, but it helps to support your good health with preventative health tests. We offer a variety of blood tests which you can request online.

·  Blood pressure. Have your blood pressure checked every two years. High blood pressure can be a cause of stroke, heart disease, heart failure, as well as eye or kidney damage.

·  Cholesterol. High cholesterol can lead to heart disease. Have your levels checked every two to five years. We offer blood test referrals for a Wellness Blood Test which includes cholesterol.

·  Glucose. Too much glucose in the blood can be an indicator of type 2 diabetes. You should have this test every three years, or more frequently if you are considered at risk (with a family history of diabetes, obesity. We offer blood test referrals for a Wellness Blood Test which includes glucose.

·  Skin. Have your skin checked for skin cancers or irregular moles or spots every two years, unless you’re at higher risk. We can help you with an online referral to a specialist.

·  Cervical screening test. Women over the age of 25 should have this important check to identify irregular cells and early signs of cervical cancer.

·  General check-up. If you’re planning a pregnancy, it is advised to have a full check-up, preferably before falling pregnant. Check out our pregnancy planning test.

40-50 years

You’ll want to maintain the above checks, as needed, but you may also want to add on some new preventative health tests to maintain your health as you move into middle age.

·  Eye tests. If you haven’t already suffered any vision impairment, you may soon start to. Seeing an optometrist every two years can help you to get the glasses or contact lenses you need, as well as checking regularly for any signs of glaucoma. We offer online specialist referrals to ophthalmologists.

·  Diabetes test. Australians aged 40-49 (or 15-54 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) are encouraged to take the government’s AUSDRISK online assessment test to see if you’re at risk for diabetes. If you get a ‘high’ score, you’re eligible for a type 2 diabetes assessment with your GP.

·  Mammogram. Women over the age of 40 are eligible for a free mammogram every two years. You should conduct monthly self-exams and see your doctor immediately if you notice any changes, lumps or abnormalities.

·  Prostate cancer test. Prostate cancer is common in men over 40, but if caught early, is highly curable. If you have trouble urinating, ask your doctor for a prostate cancer test. The test can be done via a blood test or rectal exam.

50 years +

Maintenance and early detection are more important than ever as you begin to age, and as risk factors for diseases such as heart disease and cancer become higher.

·  Mammogram. From the age of 50 to 74, Australian women will receive an invitation to have a free mammogram every two years.

·  Prostate cancer test. Australian men over 50 are eligible for an annual prostate check (earlier if you have a family history).

·  Bowel cancer screening. The government offers everyone aged between 50 and 74 a free bowel screening kit every two years. The kit is mailed to you to do in the comfort of your own home. The screening program has been proven to reduce bowel cancer deaths by 15%-25%. We can also help you access a gastroenterologist with an online referral to a specialist.

·  Bone density test. Osteoperosis can erode your bone density as you age, and this is particularly a risk for women after menopause. Women should have their bone density checked at 65 (or any time from the age of 50 if you break a bone or have other risk factors). Men should have their bone density checked at 70 (or 65 with risk factors).

·  Hearing test. There is no recommended age to begin hearing tests, but if you notice you need to turn up your TV or radio, ask people to repeat themselves, or have trouble hearing in crowded areas, it could be time to have your hearing checked.

This article was written by Carolyn Tate, a Brisbane-based writer with a particular interest in women’s health, mental health and living well. Carolyn holds a Bachelor of Professional Writing and a Bachelor of Political Science.