Thrive in Your 40s:
Feel Good,
Stay Healthy
Prevent health risks with timely screenings & wellness tips
Staying healthy in your 40s is important because your body starts to change. You may notice shifts in mood, sleep, and energy due to perimenopause. Regular checkups can help spot early signs of heart disease, diabetes or bone loss. Eating well, staying active, and getting enough sleep can help you feel better for years to come.
Have questions about your health or need assistance? Call us today at 1-888-759-2764, Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. Central Time. We’re here to help!
Schedule Your Vaccines
Vaccines help keep you healthy and protect the people around you. When you get vaccinated, you stop sickness from spreading and give yourself a better chance at a healthy, happy life.
Annual Flu Vaccine
About the Flu:
Flu is a virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause fever, cough, sore throat, and body aches. It can also result in pneumonia and spread to other members of your community. The vaccine helps decrease your chances of getting the flu and/or having a lot of symptoms.
HPV Vaccine
About HPV:
HPV is a common virus that affects both men and women. Different strains of the virus can lead to serious health problems, including cervical cancer. You can get the HPV vaccine up to age 45. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have never received an HPV vaccine.
Well-Woman Visits and Nutrition: Why They Matter
A yearly check-up with an OB/GYN or nurse practitioner helps keep you healthy and find problems early. At these visits, your healthcare provider can check your blood pressure, discuss birth control, periods, mental health, and answer any questions you have. During your visit, you can:
Set small health goals
Get a physical exam
Talk about your habits and health history
Eating Healthy
- Fill your plate with fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins. The Mediterranean diet, which focuses on these types of foods, is a great option.
- Try to get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week. Walking, dancing, and even playing your favorite sport counts!
- If you have a chronic condition, like diabetes or asthma, taking your medication as directed is super important. Always talk to your doctor before stopping or starting any new medicine.
What screening should you get?
Pap test, a common screening test that checks for abnormal cells in your cervix, and an HPV test, which looks for the presence of the HPV virus.
When should you get screened?
A Pap test every three years, or an HPV test every five years. Alternatively, you can receive both tests every five years.
Colon Cancer Screening
Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers in the U.S., affecting both men and women. Screening helps find it early, when it’s easier to treat.
- Start screening at age 45 if you're at average risk.
- Colonoscopies are recommended every 10 years.
- FIT tests (a stool test) can be done once a year or more often if abnormalities are found.
- Cologuard tests (a stool DNA test) are another option, done every 3 years.
Preventive Screenings
These screenings help your healthcare provider spot health problems early, even before you feel sick. Screenings can catch things like cancer, heart disease, or diabetes early when they’re easier to treat. This can lead to better health and a faster recovery. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best screening option for you.
Cervical Cancer Screenings
Screening for cervical cancer can help find problems early, when they are easier to treat, increasing your chances for a better outcome.
Even if you feel healthy, most women should start screening at age 21. Talk to your healthcare provider about which test is right for you and how often you should get screened.
Breast Cancer Screening
Mammograms use low-dose X-rays to take pictures of the breast and help find cancer early, when it’s easier to treat. Experts say women should start getting mammograms at age 40. Most women need one every 1 to 2 years, depending on their health and what their healthcare provider recommends. Early screening can help you stay healthy and feel more at ease.
Infertility
It can be harder to have a baby after age 40. Some women can still get pregnant naturally, but others may need help from a doctor. If having a baby is part of your plan, it’s a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider. Common symptoms and causes include:
Symptoms:
- Irregular or absent periods
- Painful periods
- Pelvic pain
- Hormonal changes
- Trouble getting pregnant after a year of trying
Causes:
- Problems with ovulation
- Blocked fallopian tubes
- Uterine or cervical issues
- Age-related decline
- Lifestyle factors (smoking, alcohol, obesity)
Preparing for a Healthy Pregnancy
There are steps you can take to make sure your pregnancy is as healthy as possible. Here are a few tips to get you started!
Maintain a healthy weight to help with getting pregnant.
Eat nutritious food and stay active to increase your chances of having a healthy baby.
Have both yourself and your partner checked out for health problems.
Increase your intake of folic acid and iodine, and limit caffeine.
Make sure your chronic conditions are well-controlled.
Check that your vaccinations are up to date.
If you're having trouble getting pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider about your experiences and any concerns you have.
Choosing the Right Path for Your Family
Family planning helps you decide when and how many children to have. This can lead to healthier moms, more time for family, and better financial planning. There are different ways to plan your family. If you have a health condition, talk to your healthcare provider about the safest option for you.
Pills
Birth control pills are taken daily and use hormones to stop your body from releasing eggs and to keep sperm from reaching them.
Implants
A small rod placed under the skin of your upper arm. It uses hormones to stop the release of eggs and blocks sperm. It can work for up to 3 years and can be removed at anytime.
Intrauterine Device (IUD)
An IUD is a tiny T-shaped plastic device placed in the uterus. It stops sperm from reaching the egg and can last 3 to 10 years.
Tubal Ligation
Is a form of birth control for women. It involves a surgery that permanently prevents pregnancy. The healthcare provider blocks or cuts the fallopian tubes, so eggs can’t meet sperm. This means you can't get pregnant naturally.
Vasectomy
If you don't want more children, a vasectomy is a small surgery for men. It blocks sperm from getting into semen permanently and takes about three months to fully work.
Baby Yourself
Baby Yourself is a free program from Blue Cross that helps moms stay healthy during pregnancy and after delivery. Here's what it offers:
- Free gifts and learning materials
- Help with breastfeeding through tips and resources
- A personal nurse with experience in prenatal care, labor and delivery
- A free mobile app to track your pregnancy, baby’s growth, and more
To learn more or sign up, visit: AlabamaBlue.com/BabyYourself.
High Risk Obstetric (OB)
Blue Cross offers a dedicated care team to support mothers with high-risk pregnancies. Your care team will work with you, your family and your healthcare provider during and after delivery, ensuring you receive quality care at no extra cost to you. To learn more or sign up, visit: AlabamaBlue.com/BabyYourself.
Understanding Perimenopause
Perimenopause is the time before menopause when your body starts to change, usually in your 40s, and can last several years. During this time, hormone levels go up and down, which can cause:
- Irregular or heavy periods
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Trouble sleeping
- Mood swings or depression
- Weight gain
- Brain fog or forgetfulness
These changes are normal, but they can be uncomfortable. Getting enough sleep, staying active, eating healthy, and talking to your healthcare provider can help you manage symptoms and feel your best.
Have Questions?
Contact UsInformation contained in this communication is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider regarding your healthcare needs.
