The American Medical Association suggests that people have medical checkups every five years until age 40 and then every one to three years thereafter. One rule of thumb suggested: For individuals in their twenties -- two exams during that time period; in their thirties -- three exams; forties -- four exams. An annual health exam is recommended for most patients after age 50. It is always best to work with your clinician to decide what is best for you.

• A complete family and medical history will be taken
• The clinician should check or ask questions about: the eyes, ears, nose, throat, abdominal area, swallowing, appetite, digestion, circulation and lungs
• A urine specimen to test problems with kidneys
• A blood sample, to check cholesterol and any iron deficiency.

Depending on age, gender, medical history and family history, the clinician may request or suggest additional tests, such as:

• A chest X-ray
• EKG
• Rectal examination
• Stress test.

Back to Top^