If you are a woman in your 50s, this article is meant for you. The arrival of fifties may increase aching of joints. A woman in her 50s may also find it tough to get required hours of sleep. Menopausal symptoms also start beginning at this time. When a woman enters 50s, she should eat well and try to remain fit by undergoing regular exercise. She should visit doctor regularly for preventive screenings and manage her health conditions very carefully. Read on to know some recommended health screenings for women in their 50s.
1. Blood pressure
Blood pressure also known as diastolic blood pressure, systolic blood pressure is a measurement of the force, which is applied to arteries when blood is pumped by heart through the body. The force and amount of blood pumped determines the blood pressure. The size and flexibility of the arteries also play an important role in determining the blood pressure. The blood pressure of an individual keeps on changing depending on activity, emotional state, diet, temperature, physical state, and use of medicines. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Adults should get their blood pressure checked regularly if it is normally less than 120/80 mmHg. High blood pressure can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke. It can also lead to kidney failure. Low blood pressure is a symptom of several illnesses, including infection, heart failure, improper functioning of glands and dehydration.
2. Bone mineral density test
Also known as BMD test, Bone density test or Bone densitometry, this test is done to measure the amount of calcium and other types of minerals in a certain section of the bone. This test is used by the doctors to predict the risk of bone fractures. The BMD testing is done by several different kinds of machines, but the DEXA scan is most common method for BMD testing. Smaller machines are used to measure the bone density in wrist, fingers, heel and leg. Low dose x-rays are used in this method.
This screening is recommended for those who the doctors think are at increased risk for osteoporosis, because the findings of BMD testing help the doctors to monitor the response of the patient to the treatment.
3. Diabetes
Diabetes is checked by blood glucose test, which is used to measure the amount of glucose, a kind of sugar. The other names of this test are random blood sugar; blood sugar level and fasting blood sugar. The doctor can recommend this test if he/she detects signs of diabetes in you. Doctors also use glucose tolerance test and fasting blood glucose test to diagnose diabetes. The blood glucose test is used by many doctors to diagnose diabetes. This test is also recommended for those who have a seizure for the first time and have fainting spells.
4. Mammogram
An x-ray picture of the breasts is called mammogram. Doctors recommend this screening to differentiate between noncancerous (benign) and cancerous (malignant) disease. Mammogram is also recommended to those women who have symptoms of lump in the breast and other breast diseases such as breast pain and nipple discharge. Mammogram helps the doctors to detect breast cancer at an early stage. Many organizations recommend that women should undergo breast cancer screening at age 40 and women above 50 should undergo this screening every 1 to 2 years. According to the American Cancer Society, every women age 20 and above should undergo this screening monthly.
5. Colonoscopy
The internal examination of the colon (large intestine) and rectum is called colonoscopy. It is done using a colonoscope. Doctors recommend colonoscopy if the patient is suffering from regular abdominal pain or if there are changes in bowel movements. It is also used to check the reason behind weight loss. Colonoscopy helps the doctors to detect inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis. It is also recommended for screening for colorectal cancer. Colon cancer is also detected using colonoscopy.