mot your body
It's not just cars that benefit from having a regular service, says Dr Rosemary Leonard
The New Year is an ideal time to make a fresh start on looking after your body and there are some health checks that you can do yourself.
Everyone should make a monthly skin examination: look out for moles, however small, that change in shape or colour. Ask your spouse or a good friend to check your back for any skin discoloration.
All women should be breast aware and know how their breasts feel at different times of the month. Men should feel their testes on a monthly basis for any abnormalities.
In addition, there is an increasing range of tests available free on the NHS from your local surgery. Tesco offers a Health Check at most in-store Pharmacies, where you can have your weight measured, your blood pressure and cholesterol checked, as well as a diabetes screening. These tests can be carried out separately or as a package for £20. For more information about your nearest Tesco Pharmacy, go to www.tesco.com/health.
Here's a checklist of which tests you should have according to your age.
Understanding more about your health at any age is vital to staying fit and well
Twenties & thirties
Essential tests:
- Cervical smear. This should be done routinely once every three years, more often if you have an abnormal result.
- Blood pressure. Check it once every three years, more often if you are taking the combined contraceptive pill.
- Body mass index (BMI) and waist measurement. Having a BMI greater than 25, or a waist measurement of more than 32 inches in women (37 inches in men) can significantly increase your risk of heart disease and diabetes.
- Chlamydia screening. Chlamydia infection often displays no symptoms at all, but it can cause inflammation of the fallopian tubes, which can lead to infertility.
Also consider
- Full blood count and iron level. Blood loss from monthly periods can drain the body's iron stores, and lead to anaemia, especially if you don't eat much red meat. Just having a slightly low iron level can cause tiredness.
- Rubella (German measles) and chickenpox immunity. If you are planning a family, then you should check these before you stop using contraception. A vaccination is available for those who are not immune.
Forties
Essential tests:
- Cervical smear. Once every three years, more often if you have had a recent abnormal one.
- Blood pressure. Check it at least once every three years.
- BMI and waist measurement. Just because you are older is not a valid reason to gain weight.
- Chlamydia screening. Sexually transmitted infections are increasing in older women, especially if embarking on a new relationship.
- Eye test. Eyesight usually starts to change in your forties.
- Mammogram. If you have a family history of breast cancer, then you may be eligible to start routine breast screening early.
Also consider:
- Blood count and iron level checks.
- Bone density scan. If your periods stop before 45, you could be at increased risk of osteoporosis.
Fifties
Essential tests:
- Mammogram. Routine screening is available free on the NHS for all women over 50 once every three years.
- Cervical smear. This should be once every five years, more often if you have had an abnormal smear in the last three years. Ask your GP if you can have a pelvic check at the same time, for swelling of the womb and ovaries.
- Blood pressure check. Your blood pressure can rise as you get older, especially if you put on weight.
- BMI and waist measurement. Keep a check on any middle age spread.
- Cholesterol measurement. This should be done once every three years. Cholesterol levels go up after the menopause.
- Eye test. Ensure you have one once every two years. By now you are likely to need glasses for close work.
- Chlamydia screening. Especially if you have a new sexual partner. Being older does not make you immune to this common infection.
Also consider:
- Bone density scan. Women with small frames, or those who have a family history of osteoporosis, or have had an early menopause, are at increased risk of osteoporosis.
- Fasting blood sugar level. Diabetes can cause very vague symptoms in the early stages. You are more at risk if you are overweight.
Sixties & over
Essential tests:
- Mammogram. You should have one every three years, no matter how old you are. If you have not had one recently, your GP can arrange an appointment.
- Cervical smear. A final smear test, in your early sixties.
- Blood pressure check. Every two years, more often if it is raised.
- Cholesterol check. Should be every two years, more often if the level is raised or you are taking medication.
- Eye test. Have one every two years.
- Blood glucose check. Have this once every three years.
- BMI and waist measurement. Although it is normal for the waist measurement to increase a little in later life, it should not be greater than 32 inches.
- Faecal occult blood test. This is a check for blood in the stools, which may indicate bowel cancer and should be done once every two years. A postal screening programme is being introduced, but if you have not been included in this, your GP can do the test for you.
Also consider:
- Bone density scan. Especially if you have lost more than an inch in height, or have broken a bone.
- Exercise electrocardiogram (ECG). If you are becoming more short of breath during exercise, or have experienced occasional odd heartbeats.
