Medical exams you need to have

Medical exams are essential to maintaining good health. Here are some important medical exams you should be having.

The short answer is no — if you're under 65.

• Every two to five years is generally enough for a full physical if you're healthy and are getting the screenings recommended here.
• Once you reach age 65, however, experts recommend that you see your doctor for a full physical every year or two.
• Whenever you go for a checkup, make sure you bring all the prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal and nutritional supplements you're taking so your doctor can see if you still need to be on them, check for potential interactions, and adjust your dosages.

• Dental exam and cleaning: Gum disease and tooth decay not only hurt your smile and your breath but also can lead to the type of low-level inflammation that increases your risk of a host of health conditions, including heart disease. Twice a year checks are even better!
• Stool guaiac test beginning at age 50: This test, also called fecal occult blood test, checks for blood in your stool, providing an early indication of colon cancer.
• Screening mammogram, beginning at age 40 (women only): The majority of breast cancers are diagnosed on screening mammograms, which studies find have significantly reduced the death rate from the disease. Once you reach age 75, it's up to you and your doctor if you want to continue having mammograms.
• Clinical breast exam (women only): Your doctor is experienced in identifying any breast abnormalities or changes that might indicate an increased risk of breast cancer or even a potential cancer.
• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, beginning at age 50 (men only): Not everyone agrees on the need for annual PSA testing, so talk to your doctor. If you have a high risk of prostate cancer (African-American men and men with one or more first-degree relatives — father, brothers — diagnosed before age 65), talk to your doctor about beginning testing at age 45.
• Pap test and pelvic exam (women only): To screen for abnormalities that could indicate pre-cervical cancer. If you are over 30 and have a normal Pap and a normal HPV test (which tests for the virus that causes most cervical cancers), you do not need to be tested again for three years; or if you've had three normal Pap tests in a row, you can skip the next two or three years. Check with your doctor if you are over 70.

Medical exams are important, especially as you get older. Keep up with regular exams to maintain good health and catch problems early on.