13 Regular Tests You Should Do When You are Over 40 Years Old

For Men and Women

1. Blood Pressure

   Test at least every two years. But you needn't go that long, since blood pressure checks can be part of any routine exam or trip to your doctor.

2. Cholesterol Blood Test

   Test every five years for total and HDL count; every three to five years after age sixty-five.

3. Fecal Occult Blood Test

   Test annually for blood in feces, which may be an indication of colon cancer or other gastrointestinal problems.

4. Colorectal Cancer Screenings

   Screen every five to ten years. Each exam should include sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, barium enema, digital rectal exam.

5. Fasting Plasma Glucose

   Screen for diabetes every three years, if you're overweight or have a family history of diabetes.

6. Skin Exam

   In addition to a monthly self-exam, see a doctor annually to detect early skin cancers.

7. Eye Exam

   Examine every two years, or annually if you have diabetes or a family history of macular degeneration.

8. Dental Checkup

   Schedule regular cleanings, as recommended by your dentist.

For Women

1. Mammogram

   Schedule annually or every other year, depending on your doctor's opinion.

2. Pelvic Exam and PAP Test

   Schedule every year. (Sixty percent of cervical cancers are diagnosed in women between the ages of fifty and seventy.)

3. Bone Density Test

   Have your first one at age fifty, or sooner if you are in a high-risk category (Asian or Caucasian, small boned, low calcium intake, heavy drinking or smoking, family history of osteoporosis).

For Men

1. Digital Rectal Exam

   To check for prostate cancer every year.

2. Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Test

   This test has been controversial, so discuss it with your doctor.