Get Tested: Health Tests for the Whole Family
Good health begins with a balanced diet moderate to vigorous exercise on a regular basis and annual checkups, which can identify a potential problem before it gets started. Make yearly physicals a part of your family's yearly health agenda, because preventative medicine is the best medicine.

Below is a checklist of health tests you should incorporate into your family's health routine:
THE ESSENTIALS

Annual comprehensive physical exam
This yearly routine is particularly important for school-aged children who need to keep up on their immunizations in order to be eligible for enrollment in school.
This examination should include:
    - Height & weight measurements
    - Blood pressure check
    - Pulse and heart rate check
    - Proper lung and respiratory function
    - Basic eye and hearing check
    - Reflex tests
    - Diagnostic blood tests

Semi-annual dental exams and cleanings

 Eye exams
Contact lens and eye glass wearers should go once a year. If your vision is good, these exams can be scheduled every two years or so.

 Foot exams
Important for diabetics who can develop dangerous sores on their feet. See a podiatrist or your primary care  physician. Bunions and bone spurs should also be checked, especially if you are on your feet a lot or are active in sports.

MONTHLY SELF EXAMS:

Women
 Breast self-exams
Administer this exam at the same time each month, preferably in the shower. Teenage girls should begin these exams at the start of their period.

Men:
 Testicular exams
Since testicular cancer is most prevalent in young men between the ages of 15 and 35, it's important that your teenage son understand the importance of this monthly self-examination.

Both Sexes:
 Skin exams
Check for signs of skin cancer, which can strike at any age. Pay particular attention to the number and size of moles, making note of the following characteristics:

    Shape - Be aware of odd-shaped or asymmetrical moles
    Edges - A mole's edges should be smooth, not jagged or irregular
    Color - Look for discolored patches (green, tan, white or blue)
    Size - Anything larger than 1/4 of an inch should be noted

SPECIALIZED TESTS:

Women:
 Pap smear
Yearly test, administered by your gynecologist (age 18+)

 Mammogram
Once a year (age 50+, but as early as 35 if there is a family history)


Men:
 Prostate Exam
Yearly exam once a man reaches age 50. However, younger men with a family history of prostate cancer can have their PSA levels checked during routine physicals.

Women & Men:
 Blood pressure
Biennially (that's every two years), unless hypertension is present

 Cholesterol
Every five years beginning at age 35, however, if heart disease runs in the family, start earlier (late 20s) and more often (yearly to biennially)

 Resting EKG or Stress Test EKG
These diagnostic tests measure heart function and can be used to identify irregularities in heart function or the beginnings of heart disease. This test should be considered if you are obese (30 - 40 pounds over your ideal weight for your sex, height and activity level) and there is a family history.

This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your child's condition.

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