Charise on your health: Getting your physical

If most people could compare who gets more frequent check-ups, their car or themselves, their car would probably win. Cars have a routine checklist and so should you.

When (for some 'if') you go to your doctor for your annual physical exam do you know exactly what you should be screened for based on your age? The annual physical exam is a great opportunity to refocus your attention on prevention and screening.

The following is a list of suggested screenings for men and women that are performed in addition to a routine physical examination:

Height and Weight should be performed at every routine visit to monitor Body Mass Index or BMI and monitor for any distinct changes.

Blood pressure screening:
Have your blood pressure checked every 2 years unless it is 120-139/80-89 Hg or higher. Then have it checked every year.

Pelvic exam and Pap smear:
Women: screening should start within 3 years after first having vaginal intercourse or by age 21. Beginning at age 21, a pelvic exam and Pap smear should be performed every 2 years to check for cervical cancer. Women who are sexually active should be screened for chlamydia infection.

Mammograms:
Women over age 40 should have a mammogram done every 1-2 years, depending on their risk factors, to check for breast cancer.

Osteoporosis screening:
All postmenopausal women with fractures should have a bone density test (DEXA scan). All men ages 50 to 70 with risk factors for osteoporosis should discuss screening with their doctor.

Cholesterol screening and heart disease prevention:
Women between age 20 and 45, you should be screened if you have a higher risk for heart disease. Men over age 34 should be checked every 5 years. If you have risk factors for heart disease, such as diabetes, start getting screened earlier, at age 20.

Diabetes screening:
If your blood pressure is above 135/80, your health care provider will test your blood sugar levels for diabetes.

Prostate cancer screening:
Most men age 50 or older should discuss screening for prostate cancer with their health care provider. African-American men and those with a family history of prostate cancer should start screening at age 45. During screening, a PSA blood test is done.

Colon cancer screening:
People between ages 50 and 75 should be screened for colorectal cancer. African-Americans should consider starting screening at age 45.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening:
Men between ages 65 - 75 who have smoked should have an ultrasound done once to screen for abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Make the most out of your visit to the doctor. Keep a record of your medications, examinations and lab results with a personal diary to monitor your health. Be an active part of keeping yourself healthy. Your doctor can't help you unless you help yourself.