Between the ages of 45 and 49 years old is when, statistically, you have a good chance of showing signs of the development of any chronic diseases that are going to have a significant impact on your health and wellbeing later in life. At this stage in life, your GP may be able to make recommendations which, if adhered to, can help ensure that you avoid many of the health problems faced by your peers later in life.
If you haven't been particularly conscious of your health in the past, or if you are unlucky enough to have developed a chronic illness despite all efforts to maintain your health, then this health check is critical. For people who display risk factors for developing chronic disease, a 45-49 year old health check is even more important. Some risk factors that may lead to the development of chronic illness include:
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Your family history if others in your family have developed chronic diseases, this may increase your chances of doing so.
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Biomedical factors if you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or are overweight, your risk of developing a chronic disease may be increased. A health check can help identify these risk factors.
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Your lifestyle if you are a smoker, are sedentary, drink excessively or have poor dietary habits, your risks of developing a chronic disease such as diabetes are very likely higher.
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If you believe that you fulfil any of the above risk factors, speak to your GP about how you can make changes to prevent them exacerbating any existing illnesses or causing the development of chronic diseases in future.
