40s
Dermatology
Step it up to a prescription-level retin A for managing fine lines and wrinkles and to also help acne, which can be hormone induced. Add hyaluronic acid to your skin care routine to rejuvenate your skin and help it feel more hydrated and plump. Continue antioxidants to help with brown spots, and consider chemical peels or lasers.
Dr. Helen Tergin
Women’s Health
Hormones begin to shift at this time, marking the beginning of perimenopause. Keep an eye out for symptoms such as changes in your menstrual cycle, hot flashes, or sleep issues. Your doctor may recommend treatment to help ease symptoms. Type 2 diabetes is more commonly diagnosed after age 40; begin screenings if you haven’t already. Continue exercising, and try adjusting your eating habits to include smaller, more frequent meals.
Dr. Joanna Younker
Diet
Adults often gain unwanted inches around the middle as they head into midlife. Avoid this by limiting carbs. Begin time restricted eating (TRE), eating all of your food in a 10-hour window daily, like 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Studies show that TRE is amazingly effective in reducing obesity and Type 2 diabetes.
Dr. Chris Link
Men’s Health
Reinforce and optimize your diet and exercise routine with a focus toward cardiac health, weight control, and strength. Manage your stress, which can be severe and persistent at this stage in life. If unaddressed, high levels of stress can contribute to high blood pressure, poor sleep, weight gain, depression, anxiety, and increased risk of heart disease. Consider talking to your primary care provider about prostate cancer screening, sexual health concerns, colorectal cancer screening, and vaccines.
Dr. Thomas Nittler
Eye Health
Around this age, most individuals will start to notice difficulty focusing at near; this condition is known as presbyopia, and the most common treatment is to use reading glasses or bifocal glasses. Another very common eye problem in this decade of life is dry eyes. For most people, treatment for dry eye is as simple as using over-the-counter eye drops. All patients in their 40s should have an eye exam every two to four years.
Dr. James Luetkemeyer
Vein Health
Exercise regularly and keep your weight down to keep your legs healthy. You will reduce your leg symptoms if you wear compression hose.
Dr. Chandra Prasad
50s
General Practioners
Discuss options for colon cancer screening with your doctor, and talk about the risks and benefits of prostate cancer screening in men. If you’ve ever had chicken pox, consider immunization against shingles. Ask your primary care provider whether baby aspirin would decrease your risk for heart disease or certain types of cancer. If you are a former or current smoker, find out whether CT lung cancer screening is right for you.
Dr. Rebecca Hogg and Dr. Kaitlin Saucier
Eye Health
“Floaters” become very common around this age. These are generally harmless clumps of cells and debris floating inside the eye. The sudden onset of numerous new floaters is a serious warning sign of a possible torn retina, however, and an urgent trip to the eye doctor is in order. Cataracts also become common in this decade of life. Treatment is often a common surgery.
Dr. James Luetkemeyer
Dental Care
Mouths age like the rest of your body. Many medications, chemotherapy, radiation treatments, and some diseases can decrease saliva flow, causing dry mouth and making cavities and other oral diseases more likely to occur. Correcting tooth alignment helps prevent cracked teeth and periodontal disease, and it helps improve at-home oral care.
Dr. Nathalie Tungesvik
Women’s Health
It’s never too late to continue practicing a healthy lifestyle, especially because your risk of heart disease vastly increases after age 50. Menopause may have hit full force by now. If hormone therapy is not an option, increase your intake of healthy fats to keep hair and skin vibrant. Take calcium and magnesium, and consider a DEXA scan to prevent unnecessary injuries. Don’t fear the colonoscopy: colon cancer is preventable, and now is the time to get tested.
Dr. Joanna Younker
Diet
Ramp up the real food nutrition — eat low carb, colorful, and nutrient-rich foods. Emphasize the veggies, as many fruits contain excess sugar. Berries have less sugar and are super healthy! Vitamins B12 and D are important to add after age 50. Add 1 milligram of B12 and 1,000 to 2,000 IU of vitamin D daily.
Dr. Chris Link
