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Your health is your responsibility. Most people only go to the doctor or healthcare provider when they are unwell. Schedule an annual exam instead of waiting until you are under the weather. It will help you maintain good health and may actually prevent future visits. You may need to ask your doctor a few questions about keeping your body in good working order as you get older. Things change as you get older, and you need to stay ahead of the game. Here are some important questions to ask your doctor as you get older.
When you are in your 20s and 30s, it's important to know what immunizations you have had, as well as if you may need a booster for any of them. There are also several health screenings you should look into. They include Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, reproductive cancers (cervical for women, testicular for men), and cholesterol are the big ones to be worried about. If you have multiple sexual partners, you may also want to check for HIV, chlamydia, and other sexually transmitted infections.
When you enter your 40s, your body starts to go through more extensive changes. Your tests and screenings should now include breast cancer and colon/colorectal cancer. While many people often associate breast cancer with females, the hard fact is that men can also have breast cancer. When you visit your doctor for your annual exam, always ensure to be thoroughly checked out. This is about the time your family medical history will come into play. Talk to your doctor about any possible health risks that you may have to worry about.
The shingles vaccine is now available for individuals aged over 50 years. The list of tests and screenings is also more extensive. The list now includes lung cancer and prostate cancer, along with breast and colon/colorectal cancers. It's important to talk to your doctor about these screenings, especially if you have multiple risk factors for any of them. If you are overweight, you may need to have a sleep study performed to determine if you have sleep apnea.
When you hit 60, the list is pretty much complete except for the two pneumonia vaccines and a bone density test that is used to check for osteoporosis. Talking to your doctor about your diet and exercise routines is also helpful. It's also a good time to discuss any problems with your sleep habits. Individuals who are 60 and above may have a slower-acting digestive system. This could mean that you aren't getting the nutrients you need.
As you age, the questions for your doctor will continue to change. Any time you begin to notice changes that may not be considered normal, you should call your doctor. The insurance agents at EastEnd Insurance Agency can offer you sound advice for your insurance policies, but it is up to you to maintain your physical health and well-being. Knowing your family medical history and taking good care of yourself is the best way to take care of any risk factors you may have.
