Thrive in Your 50s: Feel Good,
Stay Healthy
Prevent health risks with timely screenings & wellness tips
Your 50s are a good time to focus on your health and well-being. You might notice changes in your sleep, mood, or energy levels. Going for regular checkups can help find health issues early. Being active, eating healthy foods, and relaxing can help you feel better.
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!
Get 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
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 the chance of getting the flu and/or having a lot of symptoms.
Pneumonia Vaccine
Getting the pneumonia vaccine is a key part of protecting against pneumococcal disease, a serious infection that can cause pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis. It is recommended that all adults aged 50 or older should get the vaccine. Normally, you will only need to get one to three doses of the vaccine in your life. However, adults over the age of 65 may need to get additional doses, depending on their vaccine history.
Shingles Vaccine
The shingles vaccine protects you against a painful rash that develops from the same virus that causes chickenpox. Shingles can lead to nerve pain and other complications, so it’s important to get vaccinated. Adults over the age of 50 are advised to get the vaccine, which consists of two doses that you take between two and six months apart.
Well-Woman Visits and Nutrition: Why They Matter
A yearly check-up with an OB/GYN or nurse practitioner helps keep you healthy and spot health problems early. At these visits, your healthcare provider can check your blood pressure, discuss hormone therapy, 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.
Preventive Screenings
These screenings help your healthcare provider spot health problems early, even before you feel sick. Screenings can spot 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 spot problems early, when they are easier to treat, increasing your chances for a better outcome. Women over 50 can get a Pap and HPV test every five years.
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.
Colon Cancer Screening
Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers in the U.S., affecting both men and women. Screening helps spot 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.
Lung Cancer Screening
One of the most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide is lung cancer. Early detection of lung cancer can reduce mortality for those at high risk, including current or former smokers over the age of 50. A low-dose CT scan helps spot lung cancer early by taking multiple pictures as you lie on a table that slides in and out of a machine. Combined, these images make a detailed picture of your lungs, alerting healthcare providers to any signs of lung cancer.
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.
Menopause
Menopause happens after a one-year mark of not having periods. It is a normal part of aging, and women cannot get pregnant after this time. Most women go through menopause between the ages of 45 and 55. Some common symptoms are hot flashes and night sweats, but it can also affect your:
- Mental health
- Breast health
- Risk of cancer
The postmenopausal period happens right after a woman has her final menstrual period. This is normally the time that most physical and emotional changes occur, such as the genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). GSM includes symptoms of dryness, irritation, and burning. Unfortunately, 70% of women do not talk to their healthcare providers about these issues–which are treatable. It’s important that you keep an eye out for these signs and make sure to talk to your healthcare provider about any health issues you experience.
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.
