You've heard the saying "just what the doctor ordered," but do you really know what that entails? It doesn't matter how healthy you think you are, you should visit your physician at least once a year for an annual physical. The doctor will check your weight and height. They'll also look for any suspicious marks or moles. Depending on your age, the battery of exams you will undergo may vary - from cholesterol checks to mammograms to bone density tests. If you have a family history of heart disease, diabetes or other chronic illness, they may also run a blood test to make sure everything is status quo. Lab work should also be done to rule out bleeding, determine if there is an onset of diabetes, check thyroid functions and monitor electrolytes which can detect kidney problems and early heart problems. Many doctors also opt to run chest X-rays to detect lung cancer, early TB or emphysema for smokers.
For patients who are 50, a baseline EKG is often performed. Fecal occult blood tests can also be used to detect colorectal cancer. At age 50, men are supposed to undergo a prostate exam, along with a prostate specific antigen, which is a blood test that can detect prostate cancer. Women over the age of 40 should get annual mammograms to screen for breast cancer. They should perform monthly self breast exam. They should also get routine pap smears, as well as pelvic exams. For women, it is also a good idea to undergo a bone mass test to screen for osteoporosis. So even if you feel like you're firing on all cylinders, be sure to rule out any underlying health issues by getting your annual physical.
