Regular medical checkups are a must have at any age, but at age 30, there are some important tests that every person should get in order to ensure that their health is good or to pick up any irregularities before they pose a problem. Here is our list of what you should be getting done from the time that you turn 30.
Checkups for Everyone
Regardless of whether you're male or female, these are tests that you should undertake.
- Electrocardiogram – this test should be done when you turn 30 in order to establish a baseline rate for your heart and to see if it's functioning correctly. Once the baseline rate has been established, you should get the test repeated every four years.
- Rectal exam – while these are not fun, rectal exams should be done annually to check for abnormalities such as haemmorhoids, rectal injuries, colon cancer, or prostate cancer.
- Tetanus – when you turn 30, ensure that your tetanus shot is up to date. A booster may be required.
- Blood pressure – your blood pressure will need to be checked to ensure that you do not suffer from hypertension.
- Cholesterol – many people suffer from high levels of cholesterol and don't even realise it. Getting a blood test at age 30 is important to ensure that levels are normal, especially if there is a family history of high cholesterol or heart problems.
- Diabetes – this can be tested using through a blood or urine test and it is important that this is undertaken as many people suffer from diabetes and don't even know.
- Other blood tests – at age 30, as well as being tested for cholesterol and diabetes, it is also important to get a full set of blood tests run to ensure that there are no abnormalities. Things such as your thyroid function, liver function, white cell count, levels of iron, and so on will be tested.
- Eye tests – these should be carried out every two years, after age 30.
- Dentist – a general dental checkup should be carried out every six months.
Checkups for Women
As well as the general tests outlined above, women also need to get the following tests upon turning 30.
- Breast exam – this needs to be done yearly from 30 and it is a good idea to have it performed at the same time you have a pap smear and pelvic exam.
- Pelvic exam – should be performed every two years from 30.
- Sexually transmitted disease check – this should be performed yearly, whether you suspect an infection or not, as STDs don't always cause symptoms.
- Mammogram – while these are usually undertaken in older women, it is important to get a baseline mammogram at the age of 30 so that there is a means for comparison for later mammograms.
- Pap smear – this should be done from the time sexual activity is commenced but is especially important at the age of 30 as HPV testing can be carried out as well. HPV testing is more valuable after a person has turned 30 in identifying cervical cancer.
- Breast self-exam – this should be carried out at home monthly.
Checkups for Men
As well as the tests outlined in the "checkups for everyone" section, men should also have the following tests:
- Sexually transmitted disease check – this should be done yearly to ensure that the man is free from infection, as symptoms are not always apparent.
- Testicle self-exam – this should be performed monthly, to check for lumps or other changes.
- Testosterone levels – from age 30, it is a good idea to have a blood test checking the levels of testosterone in the blood.
- Prostate exam – while uncomfortable, it is important that a male age 30 has a baseline prostate exam, to ensure that everything is normal and to provide a basis for comparison at subsequent exams.
To learn more about essential checkups, consult a health screening specialist today.
Originally published on Jun 06, 2008
