Good Question: How Often Should We Get Checkups?
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Like a finely-tuned engine, how we care for our bodies goes a long way in determining how long it lasts.
Women tend to take their health more seriously and go in for more screenings and exams, especially over age 40.
A recent Mayo Clinic Health Blog advises men over 50 to get annual physicals. Younger men can usually get by with a doctor's visit every three to five years.
Smokers and those with family history of cancer, heart disease and diabetes should visit a doctor annually.
"Many times, this is where we find out if there is high blood pressure or high blood sugar," said Dr. Steve Robinson, with Fairview Health Services. "If you're in your 20s you may not need to go every year, maybe every other year, every third year."
But the best preventative medicine requires annual checkups -- male or female.
"It's a good idea to come every single year to make sure you're up to date on cancer screenings, make sure you're up to date on immunizations, do simple things like checking blood pressure," he said.
And like many things in life, getting there is half the battle.
The National Institute of Health recommends women have baseline physicals at age 21, with pelvic exams and screening for cervical and breast cancers.
After that, routine checkups are a good idea to stay on top of common problems, like blood pressure and diabetes.
Click here for a complete list of recommended screenings for women and men by age.
