When you think about life insurance, you’re thinking about taking care of your loved ones. But the best way to take care of them is to stay healthy and live a long, productive, and happy life.
Heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers account for 70 percent of deaths in the United States. Fortunately, with the right medical screenings, you can get treatment to help prevent them or if needed, treat them.
The following medical tests are preventative. They serve to inform you and your doctor about any red flags so you can take action as early on as possible.
- Blood pressure: High blood pressure can increase the risk of stroke, heart disease, or kidney disease. Have your blood pressure measured at least once a year during your physical.
- Cholesterol: There are two types of cholesterol: high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). High levels of LDL are a major risk factor for heart disease. You should start having your cholesterol levels tested at least once a year by the age of 35, preferably earlier.
- Blood sugar: A blood sugar test measures the amount of glucose in your blood. Your blood sugar levels indicate whether or not you have diabetes or prediabetes, or your chances of developing these disorders. Diabetes and prediabetes cause severe health problems, so it’s important to check your blood sugar levels once every three years by the age of 45. If you have a family history of diabetes, they should be checked at least once a year.
- Cancer: There are many different types of cancer, and all of them involve serious treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, and sometimes surgery. Fortunately, it’s possible to test for various types of cancers to catch them early when there’s a better chance of successfully treating them. The various tests include a colonoscopy to check for colon cancer, a blood test to check for tumor markers, and visual screenings to check for skin cancer. Women should also get a mammogram to check for breast cancer and a pap smear to check for cervical cancer.
- Bone density scan or DEXA scan: This is an x-ray that measures the levels of minerals such as calcium in your bones. This is important to determine the strength and thickness of your bones, which usually become thinner as you age. A low bone density can increase the chance of fractures and breaks that can impair your mobility.
Talk to your doctor about having these tests done. This will allow you to take action if needed so you can live healthier and longer.
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