No matter what your age, scheduling and making the most of regular physicals can save your life. When we were little, they were simple — a vaccination, and then off for ice cream with Mom. The older we get, the more complex they get.
Below is a checklist of possible questions to ask your doctor at your next physical — from your roaring 20s to your sensational 70s (and beyond). After your appointment with the family doctor, we highly recommend treating yourself to some ice cream. (It's well deserved.)
General questions
Starting in your 20s, and continuing into your 70s (and beyond), you may want to ask your doctor or specialist the following questions:
Gynecologist:
• How often should I have a pelvic exam and Pap smear?
• When should I get a breast exam?
• When and how should I perform breast self-exams?
Family doctor:
• How often should I check my blood pressure?
• When do I need to test my cholesterol?
• Do I need a tetanus booster?
Dermatologist:
• When should I get a skin exam?
• When and how should I perform skin self-exams?
Dentist:
• How often do I need a dental checkup and cleaning?
Eye doctor:
• When should I get my next eye exam?
Questions in your 40s
• Should I get a fasting blood sugar test for diabetes?
• Do I need an electrocardiogram to monitor heart health?
• Am I a candidate for osteoporosis screening?
• Do I need a urinalysis to screen for kidney or urinary tract infections, or high blood sugar?
Questions in your 50s
• Am I due for a colorectal cancer screening?
• Should I get a flu vaccination?
Questions in your 60s, 70s, and beyond
• When do I need vaccinations for tetanus, flu and pneumonia?
• Should I have a hearing exam?
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