How Healthy Are You?

It has often been said that when it comes to the quality of your life, your health is your greatest wealth. Do you know how healthy you are? It is never too early (or too late) to assess your overall wellness and take the proper preventative measures to prepare your body for the upcoming decades of your life. The following series will help clue you into the health screenings you should be undergoing at every age, regardless of whether you are a caregiver, a care recipient, or the loved one of either.

Doctors are the greatest asset to detecting early problems within your body. Although 20 and 30 year-olds may feel as though they are in the prime of their life, the best time to make sure everything is exactly as it should be is when you are not experiencing health-related problems. Early detection is key. Here is a list of the basic tests men and women should ask for:

Blood pressure: Having your blood pressure measured is completely painless and only takes a few minutes to ensure your organs aren"t suffering any damage.

Weight assessment: Nobody likes to step on the scales, but making sure your weight is under control puts you at a lower risk of developing a number of diseases later in life.

Cholesterol test: Finding out your cholesterol numbers are crucial to your overall health. Once you hit the age of 20 it is your responsibility to know your cholesterol and get it checked out every five years.

Skin check: You might not notice or be able to see subtle changes within the moles on your body. Ask your doctor for a thorough skin examination to locate any unusual developments.

Checking your immunizations: Consult with your doctor to verify that you are up to date with all of your immunizations.

Depression: If you are experiencing persistent sad, anxious or empty moods, you may be showing signs of depression. Women are twice as likely to develop clinical depression as men. Confide in your doctor if you think you may be experiencing symptoms.

For women only: Women should undergo a yearly clinical breast exam, in addition to a pelvic exam and Pap smear every one to three years. Undergoing these routine exams will aid in protecting you from certain cancers and diseases that can cause infertility.

For men only: Men should undergo a testicular exam every year. Testicular cancer is the number one cancer in young men and can be cured with early detection.

Attending routine visits with your doctor may only take an hour or two out of your day, but can add years to your life. Do yourself a favor and make sure you have a clean bill of health during all of life"s stages.

* As with all medical suggestions and advice, you should be sure to consult your personal physician for recommendations as they pertain to your care and not rely on material provided herein.