5 Doctors You Need to See in Your 50s

When you reach your 50th birthday, it is a major milestone and one that is marked with wisdom and experience. This is also a time in your life when you need to pay particular attention to your health, even if you have no current health problems. There are five doctors you want to make an appointment with so that you can get a more complete picture of your overall health.

Ophthalmologist

A complete eye exam is very important once you turn 50 because this is the age where many people start to develop problems like reduced visual sharpness, glaucoma and cataracts. Knowing the general state of your eye health will help you to take the right steps if the specialist finds a problem or risk factors for an eye condition.

Orthopedist

Knowing your bone density is important and you want to get your first bone density screening around your 50th birthday, even if you have no signs of reduced bone strength or density. This is a relatively quick and simple test that will provide a wealth of information. If your bone density is reduced, you can work with your doctor to improve your bone health to prevent problems like fractures and an increased fall risk.

Gastroenterologist

Once you turn 50, it is time to schedule your first colonoscopy. While not the most pleasant thing to think about, colon cancer is one of the most common types of cancers in the United States. This test will help to assess the health of your lower digestive tract and determine if you have any risk factors, such as polyps.

Cardiologist

You want to see a cardiologist to assess your heart rate and rhythm and your blood pressure. It is not uncommon for heart rhythm problems and high blood pressure to occur when you are 50 and older. This exam will provide important information about heart health and help to catch any undiagnosed problems in a timely manner.

Dermatologist

Even if you have no risk factors, you have spent the last 50 years in the sun and exposed to a number of pollutants. You want to make sure that your skin is still healthy and that you do not have any skin problems or suspicious moles. This appointment is even more important if you have a family history of skin cancer or you are fair-skinned, since both of these increase your risk of skin cancer.

As you can see, bone and eye care Boulder are critical, especially after you turn 50. If you are at least 50 years old and have not seen one or all of these medical specialists yet, it is time to make your appointments.