Turning 40? The Health Check You Might Not Know You Can Get

What This Article Covers

Learn what Medicare health assessments may be available in your 40s, who is eligible, and what a GP can help you review.

Your 40s Are a Good Time to Check In

No, nothing magical happens to your health the day you turn 40. It may not feel like a major health milestone. You may feel fine, get through work without issues, keep up with family commitments, and probably have busier days than ever. But somewhere between the birthday cake and the next busy week, it may be worth asking yourself: when was the last time I properly checked in on my health? A health check for 40-year-olds isn’t only for when something feels wrong. Sometimes, it’s simply about finding out where your health stands while you feel well, and whether there’s anything worth paying attention to now. There are some Medicare-funded assessments that you may be eligible for now, depending on your health and risk factors. Getting a health check at 40 can help you understand your risks and make sensible changes while you’re still feeling well.

Is There a Medicare Health Check at 40?

So, there’s not a single universal check that everyone who turns 40 should receive. The kind of health checks you should get depends on your current health status and symptoms, if any. However, eligible people aged 40 to 49 who have a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes may be able to receive a Medicare-funded diabetes risk evaluation. The first step is completing the Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Tool (AUSDRISK). If your result indicates a high risk, you may be eligible for the GP assessment once every three years.

What Does the Diabetes Risk Check Look At?

Since it’s a diabetes check, it will obviously look at your sugar levels and check your risk for developing type 2 diabetes, but that’s not all it does. This check also helps your GP to review risk factors linked with type 2 diabetes, including physical activity, nutrition, smoking, blood pressure, excess weight, family history, and previous glucose results. And after this assessment, if your GP finds it necessary, they may recommend further examinations, investigations, advice, or follow-up. With such a detailed assessment, this health check at 40 can be a useful opportunity to understand your prediabetes risk and take stock of habits and health factors that may otherwise be easy to overlook.

Your Next Health Checkpoint: 45

There is another Medicare Health Assessment for 45-49 for eligible people in that age group who are considered at risk of developing chronic disease. Not many people are aware of how our age, lifestyle, daily routine, physical activity, or weight can affect type 2 diabetes risk. Unlike the diabetes-specific assessment, this is broader and can look at your overall health, physical, psychological, and social well-being, along with relevant risk factors. The assessment is available once for eligible patients, with risk factors considered by the GP, including things such as smoking, physical inactivity, poor nutrition, alcohol misuse, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, excess weight, and family history.

Make Your 40s a Health Check-In

You don’t have to wait for a particular birthday or Medicare assessment to start paying closer attention to your health. Your family history, lifestyle, risk factors, and existing health concerns may all influence which checks are appropriate for you. If you’re looking for a 40-year-old health check in Canberra, a GP can help you understand your options and decide what makes sense for your circumstances. Book an appointment with GP Northbourne to take the guesswork out of your preventive health care, understand which Medicare health check in Canberra or other checks you may be eligible for, and make your health a priority for the years ahead. You don’t need to wait until something feels wrong to check in.