Ages 40–64 Years: Health Topics

At your annual health care visit, you and your health care provider may discuss the following health issues:

Sexuality and Reproductive Planning

Contraception
Sexual problems or concerns
Preventing sexually transmitted diseases (such as condom use)
Preconception and genetic counseling (may be appropriate for some women)

Fitness and Nutrition

Physical activity
Nutrition (including eating disorders and weight concerns)
Important vitamins and minerals (such as folic acid and calcium)

Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Family history of heart disease
Personal risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and diabetes
Personal history of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or pregnancy-induced hypertension

Your Relationships and Mental Health

Your family relationships
Intimate partner violence
Work satisfaction
Lifestyle and stress
Sleep disorders
Advance directives

Other Topics

Use of complementary and alternative medicine
Aspirin to reduce the risk of stroke if you are aged 55­–79 years; talk to your health care provider before starting an aspirin regimen
Medication to prevent breast cancer (if you are aged 35 years or older and at high risk of breast cancer)
Breast self-awareness (may include breast self-examination)
Hormone therapy
Dental hygiene
Injury prevention: exercise and sports safety, firearms safety, occupational and recreational hazards, protecting your hearing
Safe driving practices: seat belt use, no distracted driving or driving while under the influence of substances
Sun exposure
Depression and suicide
Tobacco, alcohol, and other drug use
Menopausal symptoms
Urinary and fecal incontinence
Pelvic support problems

Next: Ages 40–64 Years: Exams and Screening Tests