HEALTH VIGILANCE AFTER 50

Turning 50 shouldn’t make you feel like you’re going downhill from now on. In fact, you can enjoy peak health even at half a century, if you take a few precautionary steps to monitor your health and get the most out of your body.
It’s a fact – prevention is better than cure, so we recommend some screenings and tests that could aid in the early detection and treatment of different diseases. Consult your Physician before you do them, however. It’s always best to go equipped with a Doctor’s Prescription to a diagnostic center, so that the screening is appropriate and precise.
Here’s what Dr. Shiva Raju of KIMS Hospital recommends for both men and women of 50+
Blood Pressure Check: High blood pressure can creep up on you and cause a heart attack, stroke, eye problems and kidney problems without any prior warning. It is therefore important to monitor your blood pressure, even if you think you feel fine all the time. If your blood pressure is lower than 120/80, a check at least once every 2 years is usually fine. If it’s higher, your doctor will probably want to check it more often.
Cholesterol Screening: Heart Disease is one of the top causes of death in today’s high stress world, and an indicator you should pick up on is high cholesterol. Doctors recommend that after the age of 20, you should get your cholesterol checked at least once every 4 to 6 years. It’s a simple blood test that could save you a world of pain in case you are prone to heart disease. Remember, timely diagnosis means early treatment. Of course, after the age of 50, it is important to get Cholesterol Screening done more frequently, as advised by your Physician.
Colon Cancer Screening: Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths. When you turn 50, your chance of getting Cancer increases, and Dr. Shiva Raju recommends CEA monitoring for Colorectal Cancer.
CT Colonography uses X-rays to take pictures of your colon. The pictures are then put together by computer to help your doctor see if there is any cause for concern.
Bone Mineral Density Scan: This test assesses your risk for Osteoporosis, a condition that weakens your bones, and is recommended for all women at age 65. If you’re at high risk, your doctor may want you to do it earlier. This screening also may help men aged 70 and older.
Depression Screening: So often overlooked, Depression is a common cause of disability in adults. It can show up with chronic illness and aging. However, it is important to understand that it is not a normal part of ageing and can be treated.
Diabetes Screening: Uncontrolled Diabetes can cause complications such as blindness, kidney disease, and the need for limb amputation. “It is often hereditary, so if you are at risk, you need regular Blood Sugar checks, both fasting and random,” says Dr. Shiva Raju.
Kidney Screening: “It is important to detect Kidney Disease as early as possible,” says Dr. Shiva Raju. “I recommend that both men and women check their Creatinine levels regularly, to monitor their kidney function.”
Hormonal Screening: Dr. Shiva Raju recommends keeping a check on your thyroid levels. “Women are more prone to Thyroid Imbalances than men, so a regular check of T3, T4 and TSH levels is essential, along with FSH and LH levels,” Says Dr. Shiva Raju.
“Other recommended tests are LFT (Liver Function Test, ECG and Hepatitis B,” says Dr. Shiva Raju.
Immunizations: As you age, you need a few extra vaccines to help you stay healthy, including:
Flu shot: Getting an annual flu shot is recommended.
Pneumonia vaccine: A series of two different vaccines is now recommended. You should get them if you're 65 or older, and if you have Diabetes, Liver Disease, Asthma, any Lung Disease, or problems with your Immune System.
“Women should have the following tests,” Says Dr. Shiva Raju
Mammogram: Experts agree that this is the best way for women to be diagnosed early for breast cancer. However, there is some debate about the frequency of going for this test. It is believed that women between the ages of 50 and 74 should have a Mammogram every two years, but you need to consult your Doctor before you go.
Pap Smear: This test checks for Cervical Cancer, which is easy to treat when caught early. Although your risk of cervical cancer goes down with age, your need for routine Pap Smears doesn’t stop with menopause.
For Appointment : Dr. Shiva Raju of KIMS Hospital