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Take Good Care Of Your Health--Medical Tests For Young Men 20-40

Free health screenings are often used by people to save on medical costs. Other people feel more secure having an annual physical with an extensive (and expensive) range of laboratory tests. While these medical tests may have some usefulness, neither approach is recommended by preventive-care experts. Some routine tests and exams are recommended by physicians' groups and supported by research. Most should be done yearly, but depending on your family and medical history, your doctor may make different suggestions for you.

Important physical exams by a doctor or nurse practitioner:

  • Testes
  • Skin
  • Eyes and ears
  • Teeth and gums
  • Blood pressure
Important monthly self-exams:
  • Testes
  • Skin
Vital discussions:
  • Review all medicines
  • Review immunizations: tetanus and diphtheria, flu, TB, Hepatitis A and B, pneumonia
  • Plan to prevent, monitor, and control chronic diseases such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Ask about a referral to a dietitian, health educator, or physical therapist.
  • Discuss all test results and the meaning of all "numbers."
  • Discuss responsible sexuality: birth control, disease prevention, and screening.
Valuable medical tests for early detection of diseases include these:
  • Fasting blood cholesterol: Total, HDL, LDL
  • Fasting blood sugar
  • STD screening

Copyright 2008 by Mississippi State University. All rights reserved. This publication may be copied and distributed without alteration for nonprofit educational purposes provided that credit is given to the Mississippi State University Extension Service.

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Miscellaneous 0865
Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S. Department of Agriculture. Published
in furtherance of Acts of Congress, May 8 and June 30, 1914. MELISSA MIXON, Interim Director

(POD-04-08)