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Period: to
Lifetime Personal Health
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20th Birthday
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Recommended Health Care
regular check-up every 2 years w/ blood pressure screening
women: gynecological and breast exam every 2-3 years. Prenatal care
men: testicular exam as recommended by doctor
eye exams
immunizations -
Health Tips
Eat healthy and exercise often to maintain a healthy weight
don't consume illegal substances
alcohol only in moderation: 2 glasses a day for men and one for women -
Preventing Health Issues
build bone - through weight-bearing exercises, hiking, weightlifting, etc.
protect your skin and eyes with sunglasses and sunscreen - prevents skin cancer
avoid tanning salons
good hygiene - brushing, flossing, showering, etc.
find a good healthcare provider.
find out more about your family history to be ready in the future. -
30th Birthday
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Special Concerns
reproductive health - many people have families or have thought about it and this is very important
skin care - use moisturizer and sunscreen
Back pain is very common. Use good posture, good lifting techniques, and special exercises.
build muscle, because this is the time when your body starts converting muscle into fat. -
Routine Health Care
dental exam every 6-12 months
eye exams and vision screenings every 1-2 years
hearing tests as recommended
cholesterol screenings
skin cancer screenings
recommended immunizations -
Preventing Health Problems
Reduce stress - there's always a lot going on and you have to take time for yourself
Monitor your BMI and cholesterol
take recommended diagnostic tests and screening procedures
Avoiding accidental injury:
don't drink and drive.
wear a helmet
avoid overuse injuries -
40th Birthday
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Health Care Recommendations
Dental exam and cleaning every 6m-1yr
Physical check-up every 2-3 yrs
Comprehensive eye exam and blood pressure screening every 2 years
Cholesterol screening every 5 years
Diabetes screening for those at higher risk, as recommended
baseline skin exam (for skin cancer) every 3-4 yrs and baseline EKG
Colorectal Cancer screening - starting at 45 for those at increased risk
Women: mammogram, breast exam, pelvic exam
Men: Testicular exam and PSA for prostate cancer risk -
Special Concerns
Reproductive Health: female sexual dysfunction, erectile dysfunction, STDs and STIs
Men: testosterone deficiency, BPH (enlarged prostate), transient erectile dysfunction,
Women: perimenopause
Skin problems: adult acne, skin cancer, sun damage, age spots, and wrinkles
Hearing and vision problems often start to occur around this time.
Urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, digestive issues such as ulcers. -
Common Health Issues and Tips
- Chronic pain: arthritis, back pain, and tendonitits
- Reduce stress: there's lots of stress at this time in your life. Make sure you get 30 minutes of exercise most weekdays, an that you eat well.
- Monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, resting heart rate, and triglyceride and homocysteine levels. These begin to increase but you need to keep an eye on them because they can lead to a weaker heart and a higher risk of heart disease or heart attacks.
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50th Birthday
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Health Tips
Eat right: cut back on sodium, cut back on unhealthy fats, and get plenty of fruits and veggies.
Stay active: try to get 30-60 minutes of physical activity most days.
Keeping your brain sharp is also important; keep in touch with friends and challenge your mind
Keep a healthy weight. This is especially hard for women after menopause.
Get plenty of sleep: your sleeping patterns will change and you may have less energy. -
Health Care Recommendations
Check-ups at least every 2 years
Dental exams (6m-1yr) and comprehensive eye exams every 2 years
Blood pressure (yr), Cholesterol (5yrs), and Diabetes screenings
Baseline EKG
Colorectal cancer screening
skin exam every year
immunizations
Women: breast exam, pelvic exam, mammogram, Pap test, HPV test, and bone density test (as recommended)
Men: testicular exam at each check-up, and prostate cancer screenings (as recommended) -
Special Concerns
anxiety
cancer
abnormal blood sugar levels
ED
Digestive Issues
Chronic Pain
depression
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Hearing loss
Changes in vision
Menopause (usually starts around 51 for women) -
60th Birthday
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60th Birthday
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Special Concerns
aging increases risk of heart disease, arthritis, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, some cancers, enlarged prostate, incontinence, and others.
It's important in this time of your life to learn about the warning signs of these many issues, talk to your doctors if you see any warning signs, and follow your healthcare providers' instructions for preventative measures, screenings, etc. -
Recommended Health Care
annual flu vaccine
blood pressure screening every year, and bone density test (60 or 65)
Colonoscopy: every 10 years beginning at 50
Dental exam every 6 months
Rectal exam and fecal occult blood test every year
Eye exam every year (for glaucoma, cataracts, etc.)
blood glucose test (every 3 years)
Hepatitis vaccines
Pneumonia vaccine (65 and up)
Men: PSA test (for prostate cancer)
Shingles vaccine
Tetanus shot - every 10 years
Thyroid test - every 5 years
Skin exam -
Health Tips
Learn CPR
Reduce your risk of falling around your home
Make sure the water heater is set no higher than 120-130 degrees Fahrenheit
Make sure you have plenty of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
Always wear a seat belt while driving, and never drive while intoxicated or when not feeling well
Practice safer sex and have routine STD testing