Wellness Blog

Turning 40 is like a huge milestone for most people. What do you want to achieve before you turn 40? Goals, achievements, and bucket lists. But life also takes a turn in terms of your health post 40. You would not take it seriously. It is not like I am 70 years old; I am just 40, which is what you would think. But that's not the case.

 It is important to take care of your health, both physically and mentally. Your body undergoes a lot of changes, for both men and women. That is when an annual health check-up comes into play. It helps one understand how well one's body is functioning. It is important to undergo a full body checkup over 1 to 2 years. Therefore, a full-body check-up is essential to detect early health issues and treat them effectively.

What tests should be included after you turn 40?

Although some tests are common for both men and women, some of the specific tests that are crucial are:

 For men above 40,

ECG: This test helps in understanding whether there are irregularities in the heart rhythm and detecting early signs of a heart attack.

Lipid Profile: Lipid profiles are tests that assess heart risks such as artery blockage or other heart problems.

Prostate Scan (Prostate-Specific Antigen): A prostate scan helps in evaluating if there are any prostate-related issues. 

Blood sugar tests: Blood sugar helps in knowing if a person is diabetic or pre-diabetic.

For women after 40,  

Thyroid Profile: A thyroid profile plays a crucial role for women after 40 because this is a stage where hypothyroidism rises steadily. It usually overlaps with perimenopause, which causes a misunderstanding that the symptoms are due to turning old rather than an inactive gland.

Bone density scan: Oestrogen, which is responsible for bone density, starts to deteriorate post-menopause. So it is vital to take a bone density test.

Pelvic ultrasound: A pelvic ultrasound is used to evaluate the reproductive organs and issues, if any.

Iron and Vitamin D levels: Iron determines if a woman has the required iron levels, and vitamin D determines bone health.

Mammogram: A mammogram is done to determine whether there are any abnormalities in the breasts. This is an early detection for breast cancer.

What are the benefits of an annual check-up?

1. Early detection of diseases: Doing a master checkup annually aids in detecting abnormalities or early signs of diseases. This way, it can be treated before it becomes severe.
2. Changes or precautions required: Even if there are no signs of abnormalities, there is a chance for it to arise later. After a full body checkup, doctors consult on some changes in diet or lifestyle or any changes in medical intake if the person is taking medication.
3. Less anxiety and peace of mind: Since the full-body checkup has various aspects such as blood tests, imaging tests and physical examination, it gives a clear picture of the functioning of the body. Therefore, this makes a person less anxious and peaceful as he/she gets to know the functioning of their body.

Aftercare after a full body checkup

1. Following the doctor's consultation on dietary and lifestyle changes or any medicines prescribed.
2. Any discomfort post-checkup must be consulted with the doctor
3. Medications prescribed must be continued till prescribed. It should not be stopped abruptly without a doctor's consultation.
4.  Further checkups, if any, have to be followed up on.

Master Health Checkup at GKNM

GKNM has been one of the renowned hospitals for Master Health checkups for almost 5 decades. With state-of-the-art facilities, well-equipped centres and expert doctors, GKNM provides comprehensive health check-up packages for both men and women. Prioritising our health post-40 plays a major role. Book an appointment at GKNM. Your health is our utmost priority.