Don’t wait until you have serious symptoms before going to the doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent problems from developing into full-fledged chronic diseases.

What to Gauge

• High Cholesterol—The American Heart Association recommends that everyone have a lipoprotein profile every five years beginning at age 20 to measure and monitor all aspects of cholesterol.
• High Blood Pressure—Beginning at age 20, have your blood pressure checked at least every two years.
• Colorectal Cancer—If you are not in a high risk category, have a screening for colorectal cancer at age 50 and every five to 10 years thereafter.
• Diabetes—Most people over 45 are tested for diabetes at routine physicals. If you have a family history of diabetes, ask your physician about earlier screenings.
• Depression— Checking your emotional health is just as important as a physical checkup. Depression, anxiety, stress and mood disorders can strike anyone. If you feel depressed, contact your physician.
• Prostate cancer—Have a baseline prostate-specific antigen test and digital rectal exam at age 40 and begin annual screenings at age 45.