A long and healthy life is everyone’s dream. However, once you cross 40, you are more likely to experience a range of health issues. But hey! Don’t be scared already. That’s where a full body checkup test list helps.
Research shows that people today live longer than ever but with many maladies. From overactive bladder to kidney stones, hypertension to anxiety, modern-day men and women are up against a slew of health challenges. Poor lifestyle, inadequate nutrition, sleep deprivation, and addiction-the underlying reasons are many. A 2023 study showed people over 40 suffering from coronary atherosclerosis without their knowing. Doctors recommend a full body checkup after 40 for both men and women.
Even if you’ve never been serious about your health, middle age is a great time to start paying attention. A full-body checkup is the first step to living a quality life for as long as you stay on this planet. This article will help you understand what vital tests after 40 looks like and provide a full body checkup test list for men and women.
Understanding the Aging Process
“Aging” is way more complex than it sounds. It’s a natural process that allows humans to experience various physiological changes throughout their lifespan. Over time, even healthy cells cease to function. One might as well ask, why do you age in the first place?
Frankly, there’s no easy answer. Researchers have been trying to understand how ageing happens and whether anything can be done about it for decades. Over 300 theories have been proposed to date, but none have yielded a satisfying answer.
How Ageing Affects Our Body
Ageing is inevitable for all species on earth because we are all made up of cells, and no cell can survive forever. Normally, around the age of 40 or beyond, the body starts to show significant changes, like the metabolism turning slow, which makes you gain weight.
It’s also when your blood vessels become less efficient, contributing to cardiovascular disease risk. Not to forget the disrupting hormone levels in women as they hit menopause around 40. Here’s a closer look at common health risks in men and women when you cross 40.
- Cardiovascular Diseases: Hypertension, elevated cholesterol levels, cardiac issues, and chance of stroke
- Diabetes: Insulin resistance encouraging Type 2 diabetes
- Osteoporosis: A decrease in bone density which makes one more prone to fractures and dislocations
- Cancer: For men, onset of prostate, colon, and lung cancer (especially for smokers) and ovarian and breast cancer for women
- Joint Issues: Arthritis and other similar joint-related problems in limbs
The Role of Full Body Checkups
A full body checkup test list comprises different tests and evaluations that help detect potential health issues early on. So, irrespective of any symptom one experiences, a full body check offers a snapshot of your current health. That way, your healthcare provider can identify areas that need attention. You will always find the following areas covered in a full body checkup test list.
- Blood tests: Covering lipid profile and cholesterol level, blood sugar level, liver and kidney function, and complete blood count (CBC)
- Cardiac Evaluation: Starting with Electrocardiograms (ECG) and stress tests to assess irregularities in heart function
- Imaging Tests: Consisting of X-rays, ultrasounds, and MRIs that help track abnormalities in bones and organs
- Cancer Screenings: Depending on your gender and potential risk factors, your doctor can advise mammograms, colonoscopies, prostate exams, and Pap smears
- Bone Density Tests to help assess the risk of osteoporosis. Note that these tests do not guarantee disease prevention or serve as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The listed evaluations, including blood tests, cardiac evaluations, imaging, cancer screenings, and bone density assessments, are general guidelines and may vary based on individual health needs, age, gender, and risk factors. It is always recommended that you consult with a qualified healthcare provider to determine the appropriate tests and frequency to make up the full body checkup test list suited to your health profile.
Common Health Concerns for Those Over 40
Believe it or not, turning 40 is quite an experience. This is the time when you have progressed considerably in your life and have gained enough wisdom and intelligence to make life decisions. Now, many are late bloomers, both on the personal and professional front and by the time they cross 40, physical and emotional toil has already gotten the best of them. As a result, people are prone to developing a slew of health conditions.
Cardiovascular Health
Studies indicate heart disease to be the leading cause of death worldwide. And once you cross 40, the risk is significantly higher. That’s why regular checkups are necessary to keep a tab on blood pressure, cholesterol, and basic cardiac functions. If you’ve already encountered some warning signs like angina, shortness of breath, dizziness, and arrhythmia, certain medications and lifestyle modifications can help alleviate the risk. Here, the importance of cholesterol is paramount as it directly induces cardiac issues.
Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders
Due to decreased insulin sensitivity, Type 2 diabetes is common in people over 40. Blood sugar tests as part of a full body checkup can diagnose the onset, especially if the person is already pre-diabetic. The doctor can assess any unfavourable outcomes in the test and set a course for reversal through proper diet, exercise, and medication.
Bone Density and Joint Health
It’s only normal for our bones to become brittle, leading to conditions like arthritis. In turn, it affects our mobility and overall quality of life. That’s where bone density scans come in handy. They are usually included in many full-body checkup test lists to detect the onset of osteoporosis. Along with joint function and mobility assessment, it can not only manage arthritis but also prevent similar problems from occurring (like Ankylosing spondylitis, gout, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, and Fibromyalgia).
Cancer Screenings
With a rising number of cases, India is currently dubbed as the cancer capital of the world. Reportedly, more than 300 cases per 100,000 people are diagnosed in the age group of 45–49. No wonder medicos stress preventive health screenings for early cancer detection and recovery. Common cancer screening tests for women include mammograms (helpful in detecting breast cancer), colonoscopies for colon cancer, and prostate exams for men.
Full Body Check Up – A Preventive Measure with Psychological Benefits
Many people fail to understand that a full-body checkup is a preventive measure. This is because certain critical health conditions, like cancer or diabetes, are often asymptomatic at the onset. A full-body checkup brings you up close with your vitals that hold a cue to such conditions. That way, you always have a better chance to prevent the condition from turning serious and keep complications at bay.
On the psychological front, a full body checkup brings peace of mind, especially if you’ve turned 40 already and are anxious about any underlying medical conditions. But getting a full body checkup is only the beginning. One has to take a proactive approach.
Just in case your results indicate abnormalities, there’s no reason to be disheartened. Instead, take full responsibility for your health, embrace a healthy lifestyle, get proper nutrition, and always follow your doctor’s advice. Book an online doctor appointment now if you recently had your full body checkup and don’t know how to intercept the results.
Frequency and Timing of Checkups
Typically, doctors recommend sticking to a full-body checkup test once every 6 to 12 months for anyone over 40. However, the frequency can change for those with an underlying condition (like cardiac issues or cancer).
Also, one must know that not all tests during a full-body checkup are useful.
For instance, knowing your body’s selenium levels is really no benefit when you already have a lifestyle condition like diabetes. In such cases, frequent blood sugar tests make more sense. Similarly, anyone diagnosed with osteoporosis will require frequent bone density scans.
It’s Time To Take Charge of Your Health After 40
Turning 40 is a significant milestone. And once you start developing several disorders, you tend to understand the importance of full-body checkups. Now that you know about the full body checkup test list, you can be assured of detecting any underlying issues early on. It will also help your healthcare provider to make necessary changes to your diet and lifestyle. As a result, you can recover much faster and reclaim your life to live to the fullest.
With MedicasApp, you can pick your preferred health check-up packages and book your necessary full body check-up with a click. So, quit waiting and act now. You owe it to your health. You owe it to yourself!
Frequently Asked Questions About Full Body Checkups After 40
- What tests are included in a full body checkup?
A full-body checkup generally includes blood tests, cardiac evaluations (like ECG and stress tests), imaging tests, cancer screenings, and bone density scans. - Why is cholesterol important in a health checkup?
High cholesterol levels are a precursor to heart disease; cholesterol monitoring helps with early intervention to avoid mishaps. - What are preventive health screenings? Why are they necessary?
Preventive screenings help detect potential health issues early on before potent symptoms arise. This allows for timely treatment and lowers the risk of complications. - What are the benefits of regular health checkups?
Regular checkups help in the early detection of critical diseases, provide peace of mind, and encourage lifestyle changes to promote good health. - What are the essential health screenings for women?
Some of the essential screenings for women include mammograms, pap smears, and bone density tests. - What are the important health screenings for men?
For men, the important health screenings that are often recommended include prostate exams, lipid profile tests, colonoscopies, and blood sugar tests.
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Medical Advice: The information provided in this blog post is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalised guidance regarding your specific medical condition.
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Individual Variations: The symptoms, causes, treatment options, and preventive measures discussed in this blog post are general in nature and may not apply to everyone. It is important to remember that each individual’s situation is unique, and personalized medical advice should be sought when making healthcare decisions.
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Dr. Murali serves as the Chief Medical Officer at EGS Health, bringing over 18 years of experience as a general practitioner to his role. He also directs Special Projects & Development at the Central America Health Sciences University, Belize Medical College. Dr. Murali holds an MD and a PG Cert in Health Profession Education (HPE) and has been an active contributor to the medical field since 2001. His career began in the Tobacco Cessation Program and the Border Family Welfare Programs in conjunction with PAHO in Ciudad Juarez, where he also published research on the impact of technology on healthcare education. He later became a clinical coordinator for clerkships, forging partnerships between students and hospitals that now serve as clinical sites for the university. Dr. Murali has furthered his expertise through advanced training, including the Leaders in Healthcare Education course at Harvard Macy Institute and the Health Professions Certification Program at Keele University, enhancing his influence in both medical education and healthcare delivery, both locally and internationally.
