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Turning 40? No need to panic! For many, this is one of the most rewarding decades in life. With a little help from St. Luke’s, you can make the next 10 years your best yet. Learn what you need to know to stay healthy now and to set the stage for the many decades to come.
Checklist
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Find a Primary Care Doctor
It’s important to build a relationship with a provider you trust so they can track your health over time. For women, this may mean switching from an OB/GYN to a family or internal medicine provider if you’re done having children. For men, this may mean finding your first long-term doctor and committing to annual visits. We’ll monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar, and develop a cancer screening plan that considers national recommendations, but also your personal health condition and family history.
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Commit to a Healthy Lifestyle
Reducing your risk for heart disease is key: The changes you make now will pay off in the decades to come. If you’re still smoking, quit. If you’re not exercising, start now. And learn more about how to keep your diet as healthy as possible.
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Pay Attention to Depression
Men and women in their 40s are at increased risk for suicide because depression is common and often unrecognized. Men tend to display symptoms such as sadness or irritability, while women’s signs of depression include restlessness, guilt, and fatigue. Be honest with your healthcare provider. Help is available.
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Ladies, Talk to Your Doctor About Mammograms
The American Cancer Society recommends that a woman with an average risk of breast cancer should begin yearly mammograms at age 45. Women at high risk should begin screening earlier and/or more often. This screening test can identify changes in the breast that may be early signs of cancer, but are too small or subtle to be felt.
St. Luke’s provides mammography, breast examination, and education to women throughout our region. You can find easy access to breast screening at our breast screening centers and mobile mammography coach. -
Investigate Your Health Concerns
It may seem like sleep apnea and erectile dysfunction are just part of getting older, but they aren’t annoyances you should dismiss. These issues are often associated with other conditions, such as obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and depression. Talk to your doctor about these problems and any other concerns you have. Getting the full picture of your life will help us keep you as healthy as possible.
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Get Immunizations for Your Kids
You can help keep your whole family healthy by making sure your child is up-to-date on immunizations. They are your child's best protection against 16 major diseases, and there are several requirements for children entering 7th grade, elementary school, preschool, and childcare. Check with your health care provider to make sure your child is covered, or if you have concerns about the appropriate vaccines for your child.
