When we’re young, it’s easy to take our health for granted. If you don’t feel like anything is wrong, you skip trips to the doctor and only go for annual women’s exams or the occasional physical.

However, those small things we overlook in our younger years can catch up with us when we’re older. For women, there are certain issues we should be screened for at each change of the decade. Today, we’re highlighting which ones you need in your thirties.

If you have a family history or are otherwise at a high risk for any of the medical conditions mentioned here, then it’s vital that you stay on top of it. And ladies, don’t be afraid to ask for copies of results to be sent to you or to take notes in the exam room. Listen as Dr. Preeti Parikh shares what you need to check:

1. Blood Pressure

   Ideally, you want a blood pressure around 120 over 80 or less, but you can start creeping into the danger zone at 140 over 90 or even 130 over 80. If your BP falls in the normal range, it’s okay to have it checked every two years. If your systolic number is 130 or more, have it checked at least once a year. Left untreated, hypertension can lead to kidney disease and heart problems.

2. Diabetes

   Problems with high blood sugar can sneak up on you too, so get checked to see how your body processes glucose. High risk factors for diabetes include a family history, elevated blood pressure, or pregnancy.

3. Skin

   Visit a dermatologist or your family physician for a skin cancer screening. Exposure to the sun, fair skin, using tanning beds, moles, and a family history of melanoma can put you at a higher risk, but early detection can save your health! Get screened once a year as a guideline.

4. STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections)

   Sexually active women should make it routine to be checked for STIs at least once a year. Get tested more often in between changing partners, when pregnant, or if engaging in high risk behavior.

5. Vision

   Whether or not you wear glasses or contacts, it’s a good idea to see an eye doctor before age 40. Catch any problems before they arise by having an eye exam every 2 to 4 years. If you’re prone to vision issues, go annually.

 

Watch the video below to learn more about what else should be monitored at this stage of life. Although not included in this list, it’s also recommended to have your thyroid and iron levels checked too, as your metabolism starts to shift in your thirties.

While some people may experience barriers to health care due to the cost, you can find free or low cost health screenings at local clinics, pharmacies, or even as home diagnostic tests. If you’re a woman in her thirties, go beyond a standard checkup and your future self will thank you.

Do you slip when it comes to minding your health? Which of these tests do you regularly receive – or regularly skip? What test on this list is one you haven’t thought about?