The 2025 version of the National Health Commission's physical examination guidelines has highlighted a key point for individuals aged 40 and above. It is recommended to add lung function tests and bone density tests during the physical examination. Why have these two tests become mandatory recommendations for people over 40 years old? How important is lung function examination for our health? It is recommended to add screening for lung function decline after the age of 40. Lung function reaches its peak between the ages of 20 and 25, and then begins to decline. At the age of 40, it is a clear "landslide point" where lung aging begins to accelerate. Tang Yanfen, Chief Physician of the Respiratory Department at Beijing Ditan Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University: People over 40 years old are indeed a watershed in lung function. As age increases, lung function naturally declines at a rate of 0.5% to 1% per year. If there is a long-term history of smoking or chronic bronchitis, its decline rate will reach more than 3%. Doctors remind that when people over 40 years old undergo physical examinations, it is recommended to screen for lung function. The core items can be divided into ventilation function examination, ventilation function examination, and airway responsiveness examination, and evaluate the physiological functions of the lungs such as ventilation and air exchange through professional instruments. When necessary, chest X-rays and CT scans should be combined to check for nodules, inflammation, tumors, and other conditions in the lungs. Experts remind us to be alert to these 5 signs of impaired lung function. Whether lung function is good or not is not absolutely related to age. Even if young, timely examination is necessary for signs of impaired lung function. What are the manifestations of impaired lung function? The main manifestations of impaired lung function include: persistent cough: cough lasting for more than 2 months without clear triggers such as colds or allergies; Shortness of breath after the activity: Climbing three floors, there is obvious shortness of breath, and even when walking quickly on flat ground, there is difficulty breathing; Breathing with sound: accompanied by a "hissing" sound or abnormal sound similar to a "bellows" during the breathing process; Frequent fatigue: feeling tired and weak frequently in daily life, even after sufficient rest, it is difficult to recover; Chest tightness and discomfort: There is a noticeable pressure on the chest, especially when waking up in the morning or sleeping at night, the symptoms worsen. After the age of 40, there is a rapid loss of bone mass and bone density testing. Don't ignore that lung function will show a significant decline "turning point" at the age of 40. Is bone density the same? The doctor explained that changes in bone mass are like a parabolic curve, with accelerated loss after the age of 40. Regular testing is the key to detecting osteoporosis in a timely manner. From birth to the age of 20, bone mass increases significantly with age; The age range of 20 to 30 is the period of highest bone density in a person's life; After the age of 40, bone mass begins to rapidly decrease. Zhao Rugang, Deputy Chief Physician of Orthopedics at Beijing Ditan Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University: Clinical symptoms commonly caused by osteoporosis include systemic bone pain, hunchback, decreased height, and osteoporotic fractures, and the occurrence of osteoporotic fractures is often caused by mild external forces. This type of fracture usually occurs in the wrist joint, spine, and hip joint. The decrease in bone density does not have typical clinical symptoms in the early stages, so we cannot rely on our own judgment to diagnose whether our bone density has decreased, and clinical testing is needed. Did you do the right thing to prevent osteoporosis based on the doctor's advice? How to prevent osteoporosis and maintain bone health? Compare with the doctor's advice and see if you did it right? Ensure daily calcium intake: High calcium foods include milk, yogurt, cheese, tofu, dark green vegetables, nuts, fish and shrimp, etc. Spending 15 minutes in the sun every day: Lack of vitamin D makes it difficult to absorb even the most calcium supplements. It is recommended to bask in the sun for 15-30 minutes every day. Exercise for 30 minutes every day: It is recommended to engage in strength training, brisk walking, Eight Section Brocade, Tai Chi, etc. Avoid prolonged sitting and get up and move every hour. (New Society)