Age-appropriate screening tests lead the list among all the things you can do to prevent yourself from getting sick. Screening tests can find diseases early when they are easier to treat. The age at which you will start having regularly scheduled screenings will vary, based on your sex, your age, your medical and family history, and other factors.

Men should have the following screenings:

• Cholesterol Checks:  At least every 5 years, starting at age 35. If you smoke, have diabetes, or if heart disease runs in your family, start having your cholesterol checked at age 20.

• Blood Pressure: At least every 2 years.

• Colorectal Cancer Tests: Starting at age 50. Your doctor can help you decide which test is right for you. How often you need to be tested will depend on which test you have.

• Diabetes Tests: If you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

• Depression: If you've felt "down," sad, or hopeless, and have felt little interest or pleasure in doing things for 2 weeks straight.

• Sexually Transmitted Diseases: As appropriate.

• Prostate Cancer Screening: Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, digital rectal examination (DRE), and/orultrasound screening.

Women should have the following screenings:

• Cholesterol Checks: Starting at age 45. If you smoke, have diabetes, or if heart disease runs in your family, start having your cholesterol checked at age 20.

• Blood Pressure: At least every 2 years.

• Breast Cancer: As appropriate, based on age, family history, overall health, and personal concerns.

• Cervical Cancer:  Pap smear every 1 to 3 years if you have been sexually active or are older than 21 (see Tip 18).

• Colorectal Cancer Tests: Starting at age 50. Your doctor can help you decide which test is right for you.

• Diabetes Tests: If you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

• Depression: If you've felt "down," sad, or hopeless, and have felt little interest or pleasure in doing things for 2 weeks straight.

• Osteoporosis Tests: Bone density test at age 65 to screen for osteoporosis (thinning of the bones). If you are between the ages of 60 and 64 and weigh 154 lbs. or less, talk to your doctor about whether you should be tested.

• Chlamydia Tests and Tests for Other Sexually Transmitted Diseases: As appropriate.

Both men and women should have these screenings:

• Hearing Test: Annually starting at the age of 50, when risk of hearing loss rises.

• Vision Test:  Annually starting at the age of 45, when vision problems often begin.

• Dental Checkups:  Visit your dentist once or twice a year for routine care (see Tip 116).

The New Anti-Aging Revolution, available from A4M, shares insights on preventative tactics that may promote longevity.  Call to order (US tel: 773-528-4333), or visit the World Health Network Bookstore online at http://www.worldhealth.net.