TESTING TIMES

A check-up is often a warning bell for dangers ahead. Here’s why you shouldn’t miss your yearly appointment with the doc

AGE 25

TESTS:
Blood and urine test, chest X-ray and an ECG

WHY: You might be perfectly healthy, but tests at this age give you a baseline for the future.

BENEFITS: The tests primarily tell you if there is any deviation from the norm.

• Chest X-ray is important considering the city lifestyle — long working hours, train travel, dust and pollution. Very useful in detecting lung cancer, early TB and emphysema (a chest ailment).

AGE 30

TESTS: All tests at 25 plus tests to check cholesterol and glucose levels

WHY: It’s that time when you are well-settled in your career. But it’s also when unhealthy lifestyle practices creep in. BENEFITS It gives a clear indication of stress-related ailments — mainly blood pressure and diabetes.

• Ultrasounds detect Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), indications of which are weight gain, lethargy, irregular periods etc.

AGE 35

TESTS: Everything you have done at 30 plus thyroid tests

WHY: You are slowly approaching middle age. Hence any disease, if lurking around can be detected and treated early.

FOR WOMEN: Pap smear and mammogram; blood tests to check sugar levels and blood pressure.

BENEFITS: Thyroid function tests can help rule out any thyroid disorder, especially hypothyroidism. Ideally these tests can begin from 25 onwards.

• Pap smear, which should ideally be done as soon as women start becoming sexually active, can detect cervical cancer at an early stage and improve treatment outcomes. Ditto for breast cancer.


•DID YOU KNOW?

The growing risk of cervical cancer in women in India (aged 0-64 years) is 2.4 per cent compared to 1.3 per cent for the rest of the world.

AGE 40

TESTS: Everything you have done at 35 plus an eye exam

WHY: Because you are most vulnerable to diabetes and cholesterol troubles at this age.

FOR WOMEN: Pap smear, mammogram and ultrasonography of abdomen.

BENEFITS: Headaches, fatigue and other problems are often caused by vision problems. Many diseases can be detected by an eye-doctor including diabetes.

• Women approach menopause hence a sonography that screens everything — the liver, pancreas, spleen, bladder etc — is essential.


•DID YOU KNOW?

Indians develop diabetes at least 10 to 15 years earlier than the western population

AGE 45

TESTS: Include 2-D Echo cardiogram

WHY: Heart ailments are more likely to strike.

FOR WOMEN: Bone densitometry and mammogram.

BENEFITS: A 2-D echo cardiogram shows the functioning of the heart.

• Women at this age are more vulnerable to osteoporosis, especially at the perimenopause stage, hence such tests can help prevent and treat the condition.


•DID YOU KNOW?

A woman’s risk of developing an osteoporosis-related hip fracture is equal to her combined risk of developing breast uterine and ovarian cancer.

AGE 50

TESTS: Cardiac stress test

WHY: As you get old er, there are more chances of cardiac problems increasing

FOR WOMEN: Sonography of the uterus and ovary; stress tests.

BENEFITS:

• Early tests can - help detect cancers.

• Cardiac stress tests diagnose the presence and extent of Coronary . Artery Disease.


•DID YOU KNOW?

Rate of heart attacks among Indians younger than 45 years of age is five times higher than in other population

AGE 55

TESTS: Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test

WHY: PSA is a blood test that can indicate prostate cancer. If the level is high, a biopsy of the prostate may be indicated.

BENEFITS:

• Early detection can prevent the cancer from spreading.

LIFESTYLE REVIEW

These tests should ideally be a part of your annual routine.But at a younger age, you can even do them once in two-three years.But after 40, try to allot at least one day in the year for your health. Also if there is a family history of the disease, conduct the tests more frequently. Plus these tests give you an opportunity to review your lifestyle. Work towards your health accordingly.


• MAKE A FOOD LOG

Write down everything you eat and drink for a day (including amounts). Review the list for easy calories to drop, bad habits, and opportunities for improvement.

• EXERCISE CHECK

If you are exercising less than three times a week, know that you need to do more.

• STRESS CHECK

Make a list of things that stress you and things that you do that relax you. Subtract stressors and add relaxers until you have the same number on each list.