While those of us in our twenties and thirties might feel that medical issues are other peoples ‘ problem, it ‘ s always better to be safe, than sorry. Here are a few key health checks to undertake at each stage of life to ensure you ‘ re on track to live long, healthy and happy.

I ‘ m 20 – what ‘ s the point?

• Have an annual dental check-up. Looking after your teeth will prevent the pain of infection, tooth loss and great expense further down the line. This should be a life-long practice.
• Your eyes are now mature and your vision should have stabilised, but eye tests are still necessary every two years at least.
• Start monitoring your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar, and have them checked every three to five years.
• Check your height, weight and BMI.
• Never seen a dermatologist? Now ‘ s the time to start, particularly if you ‘ re an outdoorsy person who does a lot of sport. Malignant melanoma skin cancer is most common among young people.
• Sexually active? It ‘ s considered essential to have tests for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) if you ‘ re having unprotected sex.
• Guys, check your testes. Do it yourself at least once a month.
• Ladies, if you haven ‘ t already had one in your teens and you are sexually active, you should have a pap smear every two years.
• Examine your breasts for any suspicious lumps or changes about once a month.

Flirty 30s

• All of the above still apply.
• A gynaecologist visit is essential. Apart from making sure you have the routine pap smear, a pelvic examination may detect any anomalies in your ovaries or uterus.
• Don ‘ t neglect your dentist!
• Take supplements. A hectic schedule means we often eat badly or on the run, so a good multivitamin can help to fill in some of the gaps.
• Make friends with your tape measure. An increased waistline could be the first indicator that you may be at risk of developing serious health problems such as heart disease.

Fabulous 40s

• Add a glaucoma screening to your list of important things to do.
• Visit an optometrist.
• For men, have a conversation with your GP about a routine screening for prostate cancer.
• Women, visit your gynae for a crash course in what to expect for menopause and start prepping for the changes to come.

Fanstastic 50s and beyond

• If you suffer from any chronic disease such as diabetes, those regular visits to your doctor become even more important.
• Don ‘ t avoid a colonoscopy! It ‘ s an essential medical check for both men and women.
• Feel like you ‘ re missing out? It may be time for a hearing test.
• Men and women are at risk of developing brittle bones, and if there is family history of osteoporosis, this test may be suggested as early as 45.
• Add calcium with vitamin D to your shopping list. ,
• From the age of 50, you should have a mammogram every two years. If there is a family history of breast cancer, these screenings could start in your 40s or earlier.
• Menopause eventually arrives for all women – some while still in their 40s or some much later. See your gynaecologist who knows you well, for the best advice.
• If you ‘ re developing multiple age-related diseases such as high blood pressure, osteoporosis, elevated cholesterol, diabetes, etc., it may be a good idea to ask your GP to refer you to a specialist physician who can assess you holistically and check on medication and possible interactions to ensure you are receiving the best possible treatment.

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