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Published on: May 17, 2025
3 minute read
By: Secondmedic Expert

Top 5 Blood Tests You Shouldn’t Skip After 40

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As we grow older, our bodies go through many changes — some are visible, like graying hair or slower metabolism, but others happen quietly inside. After the age of 40, the risk of lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, thyroid disorders, and kidney problems increases significantly. The good news? Most of these conditions can be detected early with simple blood tests.

Regular health checkups and blood tests can help you stay ahead of potential problems. They can alert you before symptoms even begin, giving you the chance to take control of your health in time.

In this blog, we’ll look at the Top 5 blood tests you shouldn’t skip after 40, why they’re important, and how you can easily get them done — even from the comfort of your home.

1. Complete Blood Count (CBC)

What is it?
The Complete Blood Count is a common blood test that checks the levels of different cells in your blood — red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Why is it important after 40?

Detects anemia, which is common in both men and women over 40
Helps identify infections and inflammatory conditions
Can point toward more serious issues like blood cancer in rare cases

What it includes:

Hemoglobin
Hematocrit
White blood cell (WBC) count
Platelet count

How often to test:
Once a year, or as advised by your doctor.

2. Blood Sugar Tests – Fasting & HbA1c

What is it?
These tests measure the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood. The fasting blood sugar test checks your sugar level after 8–10 hours of fasting, while the HbA1c test shows your average sugar level over the past 2-3 months.

Why is it important after 40?

Type 2 diabetes is very common in people above 40, especially in India
Early detection can prevent complications like nerve damage, eye problems, and kidney disease
Many people have prediabetes and don’t even know it

What it includes:

Fasting Blood Glucose (FBS)
Postprandial Blood Sugar (PPBS)
HbA1c

How often to test:
Every 6–12 months, or more often if you're overweight, have a family history, or symptoms of diabetes.

3. Lipid Profile (Cholesterol Test)

What is it?
A lipid profile checks the levels of different types of fats (lipids) in your blood — especially cholesterol and triglycerides.

Why is it important after 40?

Helps assess your risk of heart disease, stroke, and artery blockages
Detects high LDL ("bad cholesterol"), which builds up in arteries
Encourages healthy lifestyle changes before medications are needed

What it includes:

Total cholesterol
LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein)
HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein)
Triglycerides

How often to test:
Once a year, or every 6 months if you're overweight, smoke, or have a family history of heart issues.

4. Liver Function Test (LFT)

What is it?
This test checks how well your liver is working. The liver is responsible for digesting food, filtering toxins, and regulating many body processes.

Why is it important after 40?

Modern lifestyle increases the risk of fatty liver disease, even in non-drinkers
Long-term use of medications, alcohol, or unhealthy diets can silently damage the liver
Detects hepatitis, jaundice, and other liver issues early

What it includes:

SGPT (ALT), SGOT (AST)
Bilirubin
Alkaline Phosphatase
Albumin

How often to test:
Once a year or as recommended, especially if you drink alcohol, are overweight, or take regular medications.

5. Kidney Function Test (KFT)

What is it?
This test checks how well your kidneys are filtering waste and balancing fluids in your body.

Why is it important after 40?

Kidneys often get damaged silently due to high blood pressure, diabetes, or painkillers
Early detection can prevent serious kidney damage or the need for dialysis
Many Indians are at risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) without knowing it

What it includes:

Blood Urea
Serum Creatinine
Uric Acid
Electrolytes (Sodium, Potassium)
eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate)

How often to test:
Yearly, especially if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney problems.

Other Important Tests After 40

While the above 5 are essential, don’t ignore these additional tests:

Thyroid Function Test (TSH, T3, T4) – for energy, weight, and mood balance
Vitamin D & B12 – deficiencies are common in Indian adults
ECG or TMT – if you feel chest pain or breathlessness
Prostate Test (PSA) – for men over 45
Pap Smear & Mammogram – for women to detect cervical and breast cancer

How to Book These Tests Easily in India

Getting a blood test today is simple and stress-free. You don’t even need to visit a lab anymore.

At SecondMedic, you can:

Book blood tests online through our website
Get home sample collection by trained professionals
View your digital reports online within 24–48 hours
Consult our doctors based on your results

Conclusion

Turning 40 is a milestone — and a reminder that your health needs attention. Don’t wait for symptoms. These simple blood tests can alert you to hidden problems and help you take action before it’s too late.

Remember, good health starts with awareness. Be proactive, not reactive.

If you care about your long-term well-being, Top 5 Blood Tests You Shouldn’t Skip After 40 should be part of your annual health routine. Book them today on SecondMedic and stay a step ahead in your health journey.

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Read FAQs

A. After 40, the most important blood tests include Complete Blood Count (CBC), Fasting Blood Sugar & HbA1c, Lipid Profile, Liver Function Test (LFT), and Kidney Function Test (KFT).

A. It's recommended to get a full set of preventive blood tests at least once a year. If you have risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, or family history of chronic disease, more frequent testing may be needed.

A. Yes, platforms like SecondMedic offer home sample collection for blood tests across India. You can book tests online and receive digital reports within 24–48 hours.

A. Most of these tests are affordable and are also available in bundled health checkup packages. Prices range from ₹500 to ₹2000 depending on the tests and provider.

A. Many chronic diseases like diabetes, kidney damage, or fatty liver show no symptoms in the early stages. Regular blood tests help detect these issues early, improving chances of effective treatment or reversal.

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Insomnia in Teens and How to Manage It

Sleep is essential for growing teens, yet many struggle to get enough of it. From school stress to social media scrolling, teenagers today face multiple challenges that affect their sleep. One of the most common sleep disorders among adolescents is insomnia—the inability to fall asleep, stay asleep, or wake up feeling rested.

In this blog, we’ll break down the causes, effects, and simple strategies to handle insomnia in teens and how to manage it naturally.

What is Insomnia?

Insomnia is a sleep disorder that makes it hard to fall asleep, stay asleep, or get quality rest. Teens with insomnia often feel tired during the day, even if they’ve spent enough time in bed.

There are two main types:

Short-term insomnia: Lasts for a few days or weeks, often triggered by stress or changes in routine.
Chronic insomnia: Occurs at least three times a week for over three months.

Why Is Insomnia Common in Teens?

Teenagers go through many physical, emotional, and social changes. All these factors can disturb their sleep:

1. Hormonal Shifts

During puberty, the sleep hormone melatonin is released later at night. This shifts the body clock, making teens naturally want to sleep and wake up later.

2. Screen Time

Excessive use of phones, tablets, or laptops before bedtime exposes the brain to blue light, which delays melatonin release and interferes with sleep.

3. Academic Stress

Homework, exams, and performance pressure can cause anxiety and overthinking at night, preventing restful sleep.

4. Caffeine Intake

Energy drinks, tea, coffee, and cola consumed in the evening can make it difficult to fall asleep due to their stimulating effects.

5. Mental Health Issues

Anxiety, depression, and emotional distress are often linked with poor sleep in teens.

Signs of Insomnia in Teenagers

Difficulty falling asleep at night
Waking up multiple times during the night
Feeling tired or sleepy during the day
Irritability or mood swings
Trouble focusing in school
Frequent headaches or stomach issues
Increased use of stimulants (coffee, energy drinks)

How Insomnia Affects Teens

Sleep deprivation can harm a teen's physical and mental health. Here are a few ways it affects their well-being:

Poor concentration in school
Weakened immunity
Increased risk of depression and anxiety
Weight gain due to hormonal imbalance
Risky behaviors due to impaired judgment

Teens who consistently sleep less than 7–8 hours are more likely to face emotional and academic challenges.

Natural Ways to Manage Insomnia in Teens

Thankfully, insomnia doesn’t always need medication. Many teens can improve their sleep with simple lifestyle changes.

1. Set a Regular Sleep Schedule

Encourage going to bed and waking up at the same time every day—even on weekends. This helps reset the body’s internal clock.

2. Limit Screen Time Before Bed

Avoid phones, TVs, and tablets at least 1 hour before bedtime. Use “night mode” or blue light filters if screen use is necessary.

3. Practice Relaxation Techniques

Deep breathing, meditation, gentle yoga, or reading a book before bed can calm the mind and prepare the body for sleep.

4. Watch Food and Drink

Avoid heavy meals, sugar, or caffeine in the evening. A light snack like warm milk, bananas, or almonds can promote better sleep.

5. Get Daily Exercise

Physical activity during the day can improve sleep quality—but avoid intense workouts right before bedtime.

6. Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment

Keep the bedroom cool, dark, and quiet. Use blackout curtains, soft bedding, and remove distractions like phones or bright lights.

When to See a Doctor

If your teen’s insomnia lasts longer than 3 weeks or affects their daily life, school, or mood, it’s important to consult a doctor or sleep specialist. Underlying conditions like anxiety, ADHD, or depression might need professional care.

Lab Tests That May Help

If your teen complains of constant fatigue or disrupted sleep, you might consider lab tests to rule out medical reasons such as:

Thyroid Function Test (for hormonal imbalance)
Vitamin D & B12 Tests (deficiency can affect sleep)
Stress Hormone Panel (Cortisol)
Iron Levels (especially in girls)

These tests are available through diagnostic providers like Thyrocare on platforms like SecondMedic.

Helping Teens Build Healthy Sleep Habits

As a parent, here’s how you can support better sleep:

Encourage open conversations about school pressure or emotional issues.
Set boundaries for screen use, especially at night.
Make the home environment calm and supportive before bedtime.
Lead by example—follow healthy sleep habits yourself.

Quick Tips for Teens

Sleep 8–10 hours every night
Don’t study in bed
Use a sleep diary or app to track sleep patterns
Avoid naps longer than 30 minutes in the day
Try journaling to clear the mind before sleep

Conclusion

Teenage insomnia is more common than many people realize. Fortunately, with the right support, structure, and healthy routines, it can be managed without medication.

If your teen shows signs of poor sleep, don’t ignore it. Better sleep leads to better mood, focus, and health.

So, if you’re wondering how to support better sleep for your child, remember to understand insomnia in teens and how to manage it the natural way—with empathy, good habits, and expert care when needed.

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