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Your mom always ran to the doctor when you had that terrible bout of flu or frantically rang him up when you got those chills. Maybe it's time to reciprocate that love and care. Take care of something she would never thought of doing herself or has not been paying attention. Plan some health check- ups for her. And while you do that, here’s what you’ll need to keep in mind.
In her 40’s
A woman in her 40’s might be on the brink of an early menopause. This is also an age when early osteoporosis can strike. So, it is a good idea to get a test done for vitamin D and B12. “A woman in her forties should also start having calcium supplements,” says Dr Vimal Pahuja, a Mumbai-based general physician. Additional tests he recommends are testing their blood sugar levels and a lipid profile test (test for cholesterol and triglyceride levels).
In her 40’s
A woman in her 40’s might be on the brink of an early menopause. This is also an age when early osteoporosis can strike. So, it is a good idea to get a test done for vitamin D and B12. “A woman in her forties should also start having calcium supplements,” says Dr Vimal Pahuja, a Mumbai-based general physician. Additional tests he recommends are testing their blood sugar levels and a lipid profile test (test for cholesterol and triglyceride levels).
In her 50’s
Apart from keeping a check on their lipid profile and blood sugar levels, it is important to get a bone density test done. Dr Gaurav Gupta, a Mumbai-based general physician recommends the dexa scan (to measure bone density). He also recommends a sonography to check the uterus. “It is important to keep a tab of the blood pressure too,” he says.
In her 60’s
“Get checked for early osteoporosis and early arthritis,” says Dr Pahuja. It is not necessary to follow up on mammograms or pap smear tests, he says. Apart from that ensure a healthy diet that includes lots of fruits and vegetables. Include exercises like walking in your routine. “Swim only if you have been doing it regularly once you have ruled out any risks like heart disease,” says Dr Gupta.
Apart from keeping a check on their lipid profile and blood sugar levels, it is important to get a bone density test done. Dr Gaurav Gupta, a Mumbai-based general physician recommends the dexa scan (to measure bone density). He also recommends a sonography to check the uterus. “It is important to keep a tab of the blood pressure too,” he says.
In her 60’s
“Get checked for early osteoporosis and early arthritis,” says Dr Pahuja. It is not necessary to follow up on mammograms or pap smear tests, he says. Apart from that ensure a healthy diet that includes lots of fruits and vegetables. Include exercises like walking in your routine. “Swim only if you have been doing it regularly once you have ruled out any risks like heart disease,” says Dr Gupta.
In her 70’s
This is an age where women could face problems like constipation or be depressed. “Sub-clinical hypo-thyrodism could be the cause,” says Dr Pahuja. So, it is a good idea to get a thyroid test done. He also recommends to get a stress test done and go for a echo-cardiogram.
Book an appointment with the doctor right away and treat your Mom to a lifetime of good health.
All Content with images from:-https://in.lifestyle.yahoo.com/must-medical-tests-moms-033000344.html
