5 tests everyone above 30 should get done twice a year

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blood pressure test

Health experts feel that even if you feel fine, you should still see your provider for regular checkups.

New Delhi: While the 20s are carefree and more active, the 30s are in a season of change.

Taking greater responsibilities for family, work, and life, in general, can make you struggle to create a balance and leaves you without any time to take care of your health.

Add to this the physical changes that come with this decade of life. Firstly, metabolism — the rate your body burns calories – starts to slow down, opening the door to weight gain. Apart from that, several other issues crop up like blood pressure, cholesterol, cancer, etc.
Health experts feel that even if you feel fine, you should still see your provider for regular checkups. These visits can help you avoid problems in the future. Hence, on International Wellness Day 2023, here is a list of a few tests that you should be undertaking with the help of your health guide, at least twice a year.

Blood pressure screening

According to health experts, blood pressure must be checked at least once every six months if:

  • Your blood pressure is not in the normal range (the top number is 120 to 129 mm Hg or the bottom number is 70 to 79 mm Hg)
  • You have a family member with high blood pressure
  • You had high blood pressure during a pregnancy

While risk factors like obesity or diabetes can put someone at a higher risk for high cholesterol, even people without those conditions can have heart issues.

Complete blood count

A Complete Blood Count or CBC is used to diagnose anemia, infections, certain types of cancer, and so on. It is very important for women as they suffer from iron deficiency and may require supplementation. If the CBC is okay, it may be repeated once a year.

Blood Sugar Test

Done after a 12-hour fasting period, this helps detect diabetes. A reading of < 99 is normal; between 100 and 110 indicates pre-diabetes and higher than 110 indicates diabetes. In cases of pre-diabetes and diabetes, an additional test, HbA1C, that indicates the average blood sugar levels over the previous three months is done.

Your doctor would recommend an annual check-up if the reading is normal.

Breast cancer screening for women

For most women, a high risk for breast cancer begins after they turn 30. Hence, they should regularly begin screening with MRI and mammograms.

These screenings are highly recommended if you have an increased risk for breast cancer, such as:

  • A mother or sister who had breast cancer at a young age (most often starting screening earlier than the age the close relative was diagnosed)
  • You carry a high-risk genetic marker

Immunizations

Commonly needed vaccines include:

  • Get a flu injection every year
  • Tetanus-diphtheria and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine
  • Have a booster (or Tdap) every 10 years
  • Varicella vaccine: Receive two doses if you never had chickenpox or the varicella vaccine
  • Hepatitis B vaccine: receive 2, 3, or 4 doses, depending on your exact circumstances
Ask your provider about the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine if:
  • You have not received the HPV vaccine in the past
  • You have not completed the full vaccine series

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.