How often should I get a checkup?

Here are guidelines for how often you should get a routine checkup. If you have any ongoing health problems, you should probably see your health care provider more often.

If you are 18 to 39 years old:

Once a year, you should have:

• Your teeth checked.

Every 2 to 3 years, you should have:

• A blood pressure check.

• A height and weight measurement.

• An exam to look for cancers of the thyroid, lymph nodes, skin, and testicles.

Every 5 years, you should have a:

• Cholesterol check.

Remember to get a tetanus shot every 10 years.

If you are 40 to 65 years old:

Once a year, you should have:

• An exam to look for cancers of the skin, thyroid, lymph nodes, prostate, and rectum. This may include a PSA blood test for prostate cancer.

• Your teeth checked.

Every 1 to 2 years, you should have:

• A height and weight measurement.

• A blood pressure check.

• A stool sample checked for blood.

• An eye exam (with a check for glaucoma.)

Every 3 to 5 years, you should have a:

• Cholesterol check.

• Blood sugar check.

• Special test (sigmoidoscopy) for colon cancer after age 50.

Remember to get a tetanus shot every 10 years.

If you are over 65 years old:

Every year, you should have:

• A weight measurement.

• A blood pressure check.

• An exam to look for cancers of the skin, thyroid, lymph nodes, prostate, and rectum. This may include a PSA blood test for prostate cancer.

• A stool sample checked for blood.

• Your teeth checked.

Every 1 to 3 years, your health care provider should:

• Check your thyroid hormone.

• Check your blood count, cholesterol, and blood sugar.

• Check your hearing and vision (with a check for glaucoma).

• Test your urine.

Every 3 to 5 years, you should have a test (sigmoidoscopy) for colon cancer.

Get the shots you need:

• Get a flu shot every year.

• Get the pneumonia shot.

• Get a tetanus shot every 10 years.

Should I have a PSA test?

Prostate specific antigen (PSA) is a blood test that can help find prostate cancer. Not all doctors agree on when this test should be done. Ask your health care provider what he or she recommends for you.

All men should remember the keys to keeping healthy.

• Eat many kinds of healthy foods.

• Keep a healthy weight.

• Exercise often.

• Get regular checkups and the shots you need.