Mind and Body
Healthy Aging and Preventive Health Tests
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Americans are living longer and healthier. One reason is that new medical screening tests can often catch diseases and potentially serious health conditions in their early, treatable stages. We asked the experts at WebMD which medical screening tests you should get starting at age 50.

Blood Pressure Check

Why do it? Blood pressure often rises with age. Left untreated, high blood pressure is an equal opportunity killer—it kills your heart, your brain, your eyes and your kidneys. Don't let hypertension sneak up on you. Get the test. It's simple, it's cheap, and it's quick.

How often? Most doctors check blood pressure as part of a routine office visit. Get your blood pressure checked by your doctor at least once a year.

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Find more on aging at WebMD.
More from September's Spotlight on Health: Aging and Pain
SOURCES: WebMD Medical Reference: "Milestone Medical Tests in your 50s." WebMD Medical Reference: "Milestone Medical Tests in your 60s and Up." WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise: "High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)—Exams and Tests." WebMD Medical Reference: "Skin Cancer Warning Signs: Take the Skin Cancer Self-Exam." WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise: "Healthy Weight—Facts About Weight Loss Diets and Programs." WebMD Feature: "Checklist: Vaccines for Adults." WebMD Feature: "Adult Immunizations: Are You Protected?" WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise: "Colorectal Cancer—Exams and Tests." WebMD the Magazine Feature: "Oral Health: The Mouth-Body Connection." American Academy of General Dentistry web site: "Senior Oral Health Care." WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise: "Thyroid Hormone Tests." WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise: "Pap Test." WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise: "Mammogram." WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise: "Prostate Cancer—Exams and Tests." WebMD Medical News: "Osteoporosis Testing Good for Men, Too."
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