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Take Good Care Of Your Health -- Medical Tests For Women Over 40

Free health screenings are often used by seniors to save on medical costs. Other people feel more secure having an annual physical with an extensive (and expensive) battery of laboratory tests. While these medical tests may have some usefulness, neither approach is recommended by preventive-care experts. Some tests and exams are recommended by physicians' groups and supported by research. Most physical exams should be done yearly, but depending on your family and medical history, your doctor may make different suggestions for you.

Important physical exams by a doctor or nurse practitioner:

  • Breast
  • Skin
  • Uterus and cervix
  • Teeth and gums
  • Blood pressure
  • Eyes and ears
Important monthly self-exams:
  • Breast
  • Skin
Vital discussions:
  • Review all medicines
  • Review immunizations: tetanus and diphtheria, flu, TB, Hepatitis A and B, pneumonia
  • Plan to prevent, monitor, and control chronic diseases such as diabetes or high blood pressure; ask about a referral to a dietitian, health educator, or physical therapist
  • Discuss all test results and the meaning of all "numbers"

Medical tests for early detection of diseases include the following:

  • Pap smear
  • Mammogram
  • Blood in stool
  • Fasting blood cholesterol: Total, HDL, LDL
  • Fasting blood sugar
  • TB skin test
  • Bone density
  • Thyroid Hormone test
  • Colorectal screening

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Miscellaneous 0849
Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S. Department of Agriculture. Published
in furtherance of Acts of Congress, May 8 and June 30, 1914. MELISSA MIXON, Interim Director

(POD-04-08)

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