This is the perfect time to create new goals for your health.  Kick the season off by getting yourself checked out.  The American Medical Women’s Association outlines how often we should take crucial medical tests.  Let’s grab our PDA’s or calendars and call our doctors to make these important appointments.  After doing so, call your mother, sisters, and friends and make sure they schedule their appointments as well.  Below is a list of recommended exams (main exams are in bold followed by tests that can take place during that visit):

EXAM	FREQUENCY
ANNUAL PHYSICAL	Once a year – check height, weight and get general blood work done.
Blood Pressure	Every one to two years or at every doctor visit.
Cholesterol Testing	Lipid profile (LDL, HDL, and total cholesterol and triglyceride levels) measured every five years in 20s.  Periodic screening between ages 45 to 65.  Frequency could depend on test results and the risk of heart disease (consult with your doctor).
Diabetes Test	First test at age 40, and once a year thereafter.  However if you are a high risk (you’re overweight or have family members with diabetes), talk to your doctor about testing before 40.
Colon Cancer Screening	After age 40: Fecal Occult Blood Test once a year, flexible Sigmoidoscopy every five years and colonoscopy every ten years.  Talk to your doctor about testing at an earlier age and more often if a close relative has had colorectal polyps or cancer, or you if you have inflammatory bowel disease.
Skin Cancer Screening*	Every three years.
Skin Mark Self-Exam*	Every month.
ANNUAL GYNECOLOGICAL EXAM	Once a year – cervical/pelvic examination and Pap smear.
STD Test	Once a year, if you are sexually active (consult with your doctor about tested).
HIV Test	Within three to six months after potential exposure if you have unprotected sex, multiple partners, or are an intravenous drug user (consult with your doctor about testing).
Clinical Breast Exam	Once a year by a doctor.
Breast Self-Exam	Every month, a few days after menstruation.
Mammogram	Baseline mammogram at age 35, then once every one to two years from ages 40 to 50 and once a year from ages 50 to 70.
HEARING EXAM	Starting at 18, every ten years until age 50, then every three years.
DENTAL EXAM	Along with cleaning, once every six months.
EYE EXAM	Once a year if you wear glasses, contact lenses or have diabetes.  Every two to four years after age 40.  Test for glaucoma, macular degeneration and cataracts at least once before turning 30.
Glaucoma Test	Age 50, and then annually with routine eye exams if you have a family history of the disease.