By Lynnell Nixon-Knight, Indiana University Medical Group
One of the most important things to remember about health screenings in your 40s is that you should not wait until you are in your 40s to begin routine health screenings! That is the gospel according to the preventive medicine team at the IU Medical Group, Division of Pulmonary Medicine.
“Ideally, screenings should start at a young age,” says Paula Puntenney, R.N., M.A., the preventive medicine coordinator for the program, “and continue throughout early adulthood — that‘s how we catch diseases in their early stages.”
Routine medical exams, including a blood cholesterol check, fasting glucose test, thyroid test, hearing and oral cavity exams, and dermatological skin exams should be par for the course during your 40s. This is also the time to begin checking blood pressure every two years. A baseline stress test is also a good idea, with a follow-up every two to three years (if normal), and an electrocardiogram every five years. Smokers should add a yearly spirometry test — check with your insurance company to determine if this exam is covered under your current plan.
As adults reach their 40s, specific evaluations and tests become more prudent as certain health conditions are more likely to develop. For men, a general medical exam should include a digital rectal exam and a discussion regarding the appropriateness of aspirin therapy for cardiovascular health. Men in their 40s also need to do testicular self-exams each month and get a full clinical exam every year. Screening for prostate cancer is also important.
“Prostate cancer has been in the news a lot lately because, in the past, treatment was so indeterminate,” says Puntenney. “Five or 10 years ago your life expectancy was the same whether you were treated or not, because it was such a slow-growing cancer. However, treatments are improving and therefore regular screenings are vital.”
Prostate cancer screening is accomplished via the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test and requires only a simple blood draw. “It‘s the most specific tool currently available to indicate prostate problems that could develop into cancer,” says Puntenney.
For women with no symptoms or family history of breast cancer, the 40s herald the beginning of the mammogram years. Some recommendations put a baseline age at 35, and others at 40, but all agree that after 40 a woman should schedule a mammogram annually. This is in addition to monthly breast self-exams and annual clinical breast and pelvic exams.
Both men and women should make sure their immunizations are up to date. These immunizations should include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) if there is no evidence of prior immunization, hepatitis B for health care/emergency response workers, and hepatitis A for those same workers who are traveling outside of the U.S.
“At one time we had diseases such as tuberculosis and whooping cough eradicated, but new strains are developing, so it‘s important to make sure you‘re immunized,” says Puntenney. “And you still need to have a preventative tetanus shot every 10 years. Most people can‘t even remember when they had their last shot!”
Prevention is key to lifelong health and well-being. Be proactive and schedule an appointment with your physician to schedule the screenings that are appropriate for you.