Your 50s is a time when you must be mindful of cardiovascular disease and other health risk factors. Talk to your doctor about continued health maintenance and management. Make sure you are getting treatment for any health conditions.
To ensure optimal health while in your 50s, you should:
- Exercise at least 30 minutes each day
- Eat five servings of fruit and vegetables each day
- Schedule preventive screenings and exams, such as:
- Cholesterol panel — total, LDL, HDL and triglycerides
- Blood pressure checks
- Thyroid test (TSH)
- Fasting blood glucose
- Annual physical exams for men and women
- Annual pap smears with human papillomavirus (HPV) testing every five years, mammograms, and annual clinical breast exams and monthly self-breast exams for women
- Annual testicular and prostate exams, and PSA screenings after age 55 for men
- Bone density screenings
- Colonoscopy
- Hearing and vision exams (as needed)
- Semi-annual dental visits for exams and cleanings
- Skin exams (as needed)
- Immunizations: influenza “flu” (annually); tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap) (once every 10 years)
- Consider smoking cessation classes (if applicable)
- Practice safety:
- Always wear seat belts
- Don’t text and drive
- Don’t drink and drive
- Protect yourself from the sun
