There are a number of tests required for routine medical examination. Some of these are listed below:

Type of Test

Required for

Periodicity

Additional Points
Blood pressure check up All adults Annual More frequent monitoring for those with BP of 135/85 or higher.
Cholesterol check All adults Annual after 30 years and more often if high LDL or low HDL or other risk factors Obese and those with family history of heart disease may require more frequently.
Fasting blood glucose test All above 40 and earlier for those at high risk Annual  After age 30 for those with family history of diabetics.
Dental Examination All adults Every 6 months or as advised  Cleaning and screening for oral cancer also required.
Tetanus Diphtheria booster All adults Every 10 years  More regularly for aged above 50
Hepatitis vaccine All adults As advised by physician  All newborns should be vaccinated
Chickenpox vaccine All who have never had chickenpox Once. But 2 shots are required for those above 13 years of age  Pregnant women should avoid.
Pap smear ( for early detection of cervical cancer) All women over 18 & earlier if sexually active Once every 3 years if earlier 3 annual tests are normal & more often for smokers and having multiple sex partners  May stop after 60 years of age
Breast cancer screening (mammography) All women above 45 years Annual Self examination and clinical breast examination is also important
Colorectal cancer screening  Fecal matter blood test, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscop All 45 years age and above: earlier for those at high risk Blood test annually, Sigmoidoscopy every 3-4 years and colonoscopy every 7-8 years or as advised by your physician X-Ray with barium enema may also be done.
Thyroid disease screening Women 50 years & above. Those with high cholesterol and family history of thyroid disease. As advised by your physician or every 2-3 years Ask your doctor about risk factors
Glaucoma screening Diabetics and with family history of diabetics, Aged over 50, very nearsighted and suffering from sleep apnea Bi-annual or as advised by your physician  Preferably all adults over 35 years of age
Chalmydia screening Women 25 and younger, if sexually active Annual or more often Men & women of any age who are sexually active and at risk for sexually transmitted diseases.
Prostate cancer screening  (prostate specific antigen)or PSA test and rectal exam Those with family history after 40 years of age and others after 50 Rectal exam annually & PSA on doctors advice  PSA screening only on advice.
Influenza vaccine All aged 50 and above & those suffering from Lung/ heart disease or cancer Annual  Even healthy younger adults should take it
Pneumococcal Vaccine All aged 60 and above & others under high risk for complications At least once  Lasts 5-10 years against most types of Pneumococcal pneumonia
Rubella Vaccine All women of child bearing age Once Not to be taken during pregnancy



There are other important preventive measures not listed above-the kind of commonsense steps that could prevent injury, illness, disability, and premature death. Here’s a checklist:

  • Don’t smoke, and avoid secondhand smoke.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Get regular exercise. Brisk walking for just half an hour every day can be a big factor in weight control and in staying healthy.
  • Choose a diet low in animal fat and sodium, and rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat or nonfat dairy products.
  • Keep alcohol consumption moderate: no more than one drink daily for a woman, two drinks for a man. If you are a heavy drinker, seek counseling, and cut back or quit.
  • Do self-exams of your breasts or testes, as well as skin.
  • Fasten seat belts, see that kids ride in proper restraints, and obey the law. Drive sober and defensively.
  • Brush and floss to prevent dental disease.

Someday may be genetic altering may improve immunity levels for disease but until then it is sensible to take adequate care and precautions.

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