No matter your age, it’s essential to stay on top of your health by getting regular check-ups. But once you reach the golden age of 50, adding annual check-ups and preventive screenings to your routine becomes crucial as it’s when most chronic diseases and conditions first appear.
Some health conditions, like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, first show symptoms in your 50s. The earlier you detect them, the better your chances of managing them through healthy lifestyle choices and medications, if needed.
Why Annual Check-ups are a Must in Your 50s
1. Annual Check-ups Identify Whether You’re at Risk for Disease
At age 50, you should be concerned about heart attack, stroke, and cancer risk. Doctors will use your medical history and the results of your physical exam, blood and urine tests, and specific tests for additional information to help diagnose your risk for such conditions (including Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia).
Your doctor may refer you to additional specialists for further testing and treatment.
2. Annual Check-Ups Ensure You can Detect Health Issues Early
It’s important to know that some diseases don’t have symptoms. A vital part of your annual check-ups will be screening tests that can detect health issues early before they cause any damage.
Because they will be looking out for a range of issues, you may need to give your doctor a complete picture of your health history by bringing your family medical history and a list of all medications you’re currently taking.
3. Annual Check-Ups Keep You Up-to-Date with Your Medications, Vaccines, or Other Testing Needs
Depending on your annual check-ups and screening test results, your doctor will discuss the medication, vaccines, or other testing needs you still have. While most people need a colonoscopy and mammogram every few years, others may need them more frequently due to their health conditions and risk factors.
4. Annual Check-Ups Make You More Educated About Your Health
Wise as you may be about your health, you still need to keep up with current information about symptoms, illness, and treatments. Annual check-ups help you become better educated about your health, especially as you get older.
5. Annual Check-Ups Save You More Money in the Long Run
Your annual check-ups will help you identify any health issues you may have and get them under control before they become dangerous. With a medical condition treated early, you can avoid the cost of long-term care or emergency room visits later on.
The Bottom Line: The Importance of Getting Annual Check-Ups, Especially in Your 50s
With all the stresses of work and family, it’s easy to let your health slip. But once you reach 50, taking that yearly check-up becomes more important to care for your health. The earlier you detect chronic diseases and other health conditions, the better your chances of managing them well and preventing future problems. If you don’t have your annual check-ups on your calendar, add them today.
How Can We Help You?
Telemedicine is quickly gaining momentum, and it’s only right that you maximize these services, especially when we’re still amid the pandemic. Besides, this is slowly becoming the standard of the medical industry.
Fortunately, Agile Urgent Care offers telemedicine in New Jersey, providing patients with quick access to medical providers and nurses that can help them with their medical needs. From adult care to child care, travel medicine to telemedicine — we’ve got you covered.
Need medical assistance? Give us a call at 201-381-4800 today!
