When was the last time you took your body in for a tune-up?

The key to feeling great well into your 60s and 70s starts with taking care of yourself now. Just as tune-ups keep your car in top shape by doing a little preventative maintenance and catching potential problems early, these health checks keep your body running well and could even save your life!

• Full physical exam: You should get a full exam every three years from 20 to 39, every two years from 40 to 49 and every year after your 50th birthday.
• Blood pressure screening: Regardless of age, you should get this important cardiovascular health screening annually.
• Tuberculosis: The World Health Organization estimates that three million people worldwide will die this year of this infectious disease, and each year thousands of new cases are reported in the U.S. You should get a TB skin test every five years from 20 to 39.
• Blood and urine tests: These tests can detect a wide range of health problems. You should get blood and urine tests every three years from 20 to 39, every two years from 40 to 49 and every year after 50.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): This test checks for problems with the electrical activity of your heart. You need one every three to five years after 50 or after 30 if you’re at high risk for heart attacks.
• Rectal exam: You need one every year after 40. This uncomfortable but necessary test helps detect anal cancer.
• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test: You should get this prostate cancer screening every year after 50, unless you’re at high risk: then every year after 40. You need this screening because the higher your PSA level, the higher your chance of having prostate cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, a PSA between four and ten indicates about a 25 percent of chance of prostate cancer, and that percentage jumps to 50 once the PSA goes over ten.
• Colon cancer screenings: A sigmoidoscopy is recommended every three to four years after 50, unless you’re at high risk: then you should get a colonoscopy after you turn 40. Why are these tests so important? According to the American Cancer Society, nine out of 10 people who catch their color cancer early will still be alive five years later, with many living a normal life span.