Remember Olivia Newton John? Who couldn’t with the catchy song “Physical” from 1981 and other hits before and after. And who could forget her performance in the smash hit movie “Grease”? I’m starting to hum “Summer Nights” out loud right now! So where am I going with this? I bet very few people remember her as a breast cancer survivor who is now a tireless advocate for breast cancer research and other health issues. So in tribute to Olivia, here are some general guidelines for everyone to consider when determining your health. Note, there are additional tests (ie. prostate) for both males and females so use the following recommendations as a starting point.

In your 20s:

Arrange for a complete physical every five years, including:

- Cholesterol profile

- Blood pressure check

- Waist measurement and height and weight measurements to calculate your body mass index or BMI

- Most physicians also recommend a complete blood count, a blood sugar test and a urinalysis.

- Get an adult-type tetanus-pertussis-diphtheria booster (and follow up every 10 years).

- See your dentist every six to 12 months.

Welcome to your 30s:

- Sign up for complete physicals, which should repeat the tests conducted in your 20s, but every three years instead of every five.

Welcome to your mid-life crisis or better known as your 40s:

- Get a complete physical every two years.

- Schedule a baseline EKG at 40; repeat it periodically.

- Take a fasting blood sugar test at 45, then every three years.

- Start skin cancer screening, with additional exams by a dermatologist.

Your 50s, congrats, you can taste your retirement:

- Make your complete physical an annual event, including these three important additions:

- Colon cancer screening, which should take one of four approaches: Annual fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) with colonoscopy for a positive test. FOBT plus sigmoidoscopy every five years. Colonoscopy every 10 years. Double-contrast barium enema every five to 10 years.

- Eye exams by a specialist

- Annual flu shot

Welcome to warm-climate weather, your 60s:

- As well as maintaining the pattern in your 50s, ask your doctor about a shingles shot. Also, get the pneumonia vaccine. 

After your 60s:

-You can keep doing what you’ve been doing. 

In speaking with different health professionals, the greatest challenge for men and women is persuading them to get regular physicals. Don’t stand in the way of your body. Be proactive and get checked today! 

For more information about staying active, check out Jon Benson’s and Tom Venuto’s Fit Over 40. Benson describes his personal struggles with weight loss and the setbacks he endured during his quest for optimal fat loss.

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