Health Insurance For Women Age 40s to 50s
Health Insurance in your 40s and 50s
When you reach your 40s and 50s, your bodies are getting ready for the next phase, which can be viewed poorly (menopause), but really it can be an insightful and helpful experience.Yes, you need to be more careful in paying attention to osteoporosis and certain diseases that you were susceptible in your 20s and 30s, your risk for these diseases and more increases in your 40s and into your 50s. The average age of menopause is 51 but most women can reach it between the ages of 45 and 55. Before you reach menopause, you can experience changes for a full decade before your menstrual cycle stops, called “perimenopause” or the “menopause transition.” Changes include one or more missed menstrual periods, hot flashes, irritability, problems sleeping and a decreased sex drive.
Your metabolism continues to slow during this time so not only can exercise help you from gaining weight but it can also help strengthen your bones. Since your estrogen levels are also decreasing, you’re at increased risk for bone loss, which can lead to osteoporosis. Your skin is also changing and showing signs of aging such as changes in skin color or pigmentation, moles, and wrinkles. Make sure to visit a dermatologist if you notice any unusual skin changes.
Some preventative health screenings you need include:
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Pap test for cervical cancer
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Clinical breast exams
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Yearly Mammogram
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Diabetes blood glucose test
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Blood pressure test for hypertension
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Cholesterol
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Bone density baseline
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Stool screening
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Thyroid test
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Complete eye exam
Having health insurance can keep costs down when getting the preventative health screenings you need. Women in their mid 40s and older are more likely than men to lack health insurance. A study by the Older Women’s League shows that only 55% of women between the ages of 45 and 64 (before qualifying for Medicare) have health insurance. Not only do more men have health insurance, their premiums are lower as well. Though women are more likely to go to the doctor than men thus the increased premiums rates, staying healthy and getting your preventative health screenings can help you both physically and financially in the long run.
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