Medical Tests You Should Do Before You Turn 30

Medical tests are essential because prevention is always better than hunting for a cure. Most of us hate the thought of lab tests because of the needle pricks, but they are necessary for continued good health. the fact remains that routine medical tests are very effective in preventing illnesses, reducing morbidity and mortality, and improving the quality of life.

Are Medical Tests for Elderly People Alone?

This is a common misconception but medical tests are not for elderly people alone. Neither are they to be done only when you’re sick. In fact, there are certain tests that are recommended within a certain age bracket and they change as you age.

Are These Medical Tests Really Compulsory?

Yes, they are absolutely necessary. As always, you should speak to your doctor for guidance before you take these tests and also take your unique medical history into account at all times.

Routine medical tests help you:

  • evaluate your risk for future illnesses.
  • Check if you have any current illnesses that are not symptomatic.
  • Build a healthy lifestyle.
  • Help you stay up to date with important immunizations.
  • Makes you familiar with your doctor and provides a baseline for comparison of values in the future.

Here are the medical tests you should consider doing before you turn 30 or as you turn 30.

Height and Weight.

It might not be fun but it’s necessary to check it.  Knowing your height and weight helps to derive your BMI. Being overweight will put you at risk of developing several diseases in the future. 

Blood Pressure Measurement

This is a painless, non-invasive test that should be monitored regularly. Knowing your blood pressure value is important to help detect hypertension which is usually asymptomatic in the early stages. Contrary to popular belief, people 30 years and younger have now been diagnosed with hypertension as well as stroke. It’s never too early to start. 

If your blood pressure is over 120/90mmHg, you have diabetes or other health conditions, you’re overweight or you’ve been hypertensive in a previous pregnancy, you should definitely check your blood pressure regularly. 

HIV and STI Screening

A large number of people in this age bracket are sexually active. Screening for sexually transmitted diseases should be done regularly or before you interact with a new sexual partner. Not all STIs are sexually transmitted eg HIV can be transmitted by needle pricks in the salon etc. So even if you’re not sexually active, it’s still important to do this screening. Get into the habit of doing this for the sake of your health in the future. It is also important to get a Hepatitis C screening done. 

Pelvic Examination (For Women)

Women will benefit from visiting their gynecologist regularly. Some diseases affecting the female reproductive organs start around this age bracket and may not be symptomatic. A routine pelvic exam is helpful to detect them early. Pap testing should start at age 21 and should be done routinely. 

Breast Cancer Screening

Apart from the self-breast examination which can be done at home, screening for breast cancer may be done if there is an increased risk of breast cancer. If you have a risk genetic marker or you’ve had a relative with breast cancer, you should see your doctor to get screened. 

Skin Screening

This is helpful to detect moles or birthmarks that are not usual. Some of them may be pre-cancerous and should be treated as soon as possible. Also, the use of sunscreen is recommended to prevent skin damage and subsequently, skin cancer. 

Cholesterol Screening

This is done to assess the cholesterol content in your body. This is especially important if there is a family history of coronary heart disease. This helps to determine your risk for heart disease in the future. This test is called a lipid profile. This should be done at your doctor’s discretion.

Testicular Examination (For Men)

This is the examination of the testicles in men and it is done to check for early signs of testicular cancer.

Eye Test

This is routinely done to assess your vision and get prescription lenses if needed. This helps to halt any eye damage that may be in progress. 

Dental Examination

This is routinely done to assess your vision and get prescription lenses if needed. This helps to halt any eye damage that may be in progress. 

Are you age 50 and above or do you know anyone in this age bracket? Check here to see the necessary medical tests for this age group!

Till my next post,

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Dr. Omotola Oke

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