Testing Schedule

Obesity:  Have your body mass index (BMI) calculated to screen for obesity.  (BMI is a measure of body fat based on height and weight).  You can also find your own BMI with the BMI calculator on the home page.

High Cholesterol:  Have your cholesterol checked regularly starting at age 35.  If you are younger than 35, talk to your doctor about whether to have your cholesterol checked if:

• You have diabetes
• You have high blood pressure
• Heart disease runs in your family
• You smoke

High Blood Pressure:  Have your blood pressure checked at least every 2 years.  High blood pressure is 140/90 or higher.

Colorectal Cancer:  Have a test for colorectal cancer starting at age 50.  Your doctor can help you decide which test is right for you.  If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, you may need to be tested earlier.

Depression:  Your emotional health is as important as your physical health.  If you have felt “down,” sad, or hopeless over the last 2 weeks or have felt little interest or pleasure in doing things, you may be depressed.  Talk to your doctor about being
screened for depression.

Sexually Transmitted Infections:  Talk to your doctor to see whether you should be tested for gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, or other sexually transmitted infections.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.  If you are between the ages of 65 and 75 and have ever smoked (100 or more cigarettes during your lifetime), you need to be screened once for abdominal aortic aneurysm, which is an abnormally large or swollen blood vessel in
your abdomen.