Lifeline Screening: 15 Types of Blood Tests and Checkups You Need
Lifeline screening. No we're not playing Who Wants to Be a Millionaire — more like Who Wants to Be a-Live.
These days, there are literally hundreds of different types of blood tests and screenings, and there seems to be something dangerous and hazardous hiding in everything from the food we eat to our children's toys.
So, how do you make sure you are aware of your true overall health condition without becoming a paranoid hypochondriac?
Below is a list of tests and screenings that should be included in your regular checkups, brought to you by Medical News Today.
15 Types of Blood Tests and Lifeline Screenings
UNDER 40 (Men and Women)
- Blood pressure test every two years if normal.
- Cholesterol at least every 5 years. (In fact, a new study says cholesterol should be tested as early as 15 months old.)
- Skin cancer screening every 3 years by your doctor or dermatologist, and a self-check once a month.
- Fasting glucose test for diabetes if there is any family history of the disease or if you are overweight.
UNDER 40 (Men only)
- Testicular self-exam once a month to check for any lumps or swelling.
UNDER 40 (Women only)
- Breast self-exam once a month to check for any lumps or changes.
- Once a year, get a professional breast exam with your doctor.
- Pap smear once a year to check for cervical cancer.
OVER 40 (Men and Women)
- Continue all of the above, plus the following:
- Skin cancer screening more often, once a year.
- Colonoscopy every 10 years.
OVER 40 (Men only)
- Digital rectal exam every year to check for prostate cancer.
OVER 40 (Women only)
- Clinical breast exam every year.
- Mammogram every year.
- Bone density scan every 5-10 years.
Of course, the most important thing is to get in for your regular checkups in the first place. Many of us put these off (especially us guys) and don't visit the doctor unless we have an arrow through our head.
These lifeline screenings and types of blood tests will give you the comfort of knowing your healthy and potentially catch any major health problems before it's too late.
How often do you visit the doctor? Do you get your annual checkups, or can you not even remember the last time you set foot in a hospital?
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Comments
Great list! I get most of these tests at my yearly checkup, but I'll be sure to add a skin screening to the list.
I've never had a "fasting glucose test" or even heard of it until now. Thanks for the heads up, I'll include that in my next visit!
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Skin screening is one of the most underused probably, but it's very important. Especially this time of year, after we've spent so much time outdoors during the summer.
[...] Lifeline Screening: 15 Types of Blood Tests and Checkups You Need In addition to checking your cholesterol, as mentioned in the first story, here are some more tests to include at your next doctor visit. You can never be too careful or catch early warning signs too soon! 1 Views Discuss this post on the FitBuff.com forums. Did you find this article or site helpful? Why don't you Subscribe to the Free FitBuff.com Newsletter packed with even more useful news and tips to help you achieve total mind and body fitness: [...]
Did you see the recent study that said annual checkups are overrated? I have to say I would agree with them to an extent.
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