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Your health in your 50s

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At fifty, you have probably achieved some of your life plans, whether it is in your career or in your personal life. As a result, you might be thirsty for new and different challenges.

Use your years of wisdom to take a closer look at your wellbeing. That will give you a chance at living a longer life, which will allow you to accomplish all your future goals.

Make self-examinations part of your routine

It is important always to make time to regularly inspect your body to check for any changes that you need to report to your GP.

In addition to self-examinations, stay on top of your health by making sure that you do all recommended tests and examinations throughout your 50s. Here are the tests to take.

- Bone density tests:
It is recommended that you take your first bone density test during your 50s, unless you’re one of those people that may need to take the test sooner

This is because you are at risk of any bone health issuesor osteoporosis runs in your family. Certain medication and medical conditions can compromise bone density.

- Colorectal cancer screening:
Visit your local gastroenterologist to get a colonoscopy to help identify polyps before they become cancerous. When caught early, 90% of colorectal cancers can be cured. In your 50s, you should get a colonoscopy conducted every 2 years.

- Diabetes screening:
You run a much higher risk for type-2 diabetes in your 50s if you are overweight. Your GP should screen your risk by testing your blood glucose levels. How often you need to be screened for diabetes will depend on your sugar levels.

- Blood pressure and cholesterol:
To avoid strokes and heart diseases, you should get your cholesterol checked annually.

Your blood pressure should be checked every time you seek any medical help. You may be at higher risk if you are diabetic, smoke or have a large waist circumference.

- Breast exam:
Make sure that you are familiar with the look and feel of your breasts so that you can notice any changes. If breast cancer runs in your family or you are at high risk for it, you should have a mammogram every year.

Under normal circumstances, women in their 50s should be examined every 2 to 3 years.

- PAP smears and pelvic exams: 
Ask your doctor for a pelvic exam every 2 to 3 years to make sure that your vagina and cervix are okay and to check the general health of your uterus. Pap smears should be done every year to screen for cervical cancer.

It is important to keep an eye on any unfamiliar changes on your body when in your 50s, whether it’s your skin or other parts of your body.

If you see any alarming changes, visit your doctor so that you can eliminate any problems early and are free to live a full and healthy life.

To win a R1,000.00 spa voucher, you can either:

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Like our Bonitas Medical Fund Facebook page or the Women24 Facebook page and tell us the last time you did a health check or

- Sign up for Women24’s Weekly Newsletter here

Follow Women24 on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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