DEAR MAYO CLINIC:

The nurse where I work asked about my last general examination and associated testing.

I was embarrassed to admit I hadn't had a recent evaluation. I am a 34-year-old man in excellent health, aside from well-controlled asthma.

What periodic health testing do I need and when do I need it?

ANSWER:

Your situation, especially for men, isn't unusual.

When you are in good health, it's easy to put off going to see a doctor.

At age 34, it is time for a few medical tests if it's been several years since you last saw your physician. Perhaps more importantly, it's the right time to determine what you can do to be healthier now and prevent disease in the future.

For you, the first topic on the checkup list is asthma management.

Have you and your doctor reviewed your condition and developed a plan to manage it? Do you have asthma flare-ups? Do you know what triggers them and how to prevent them?

Second, your checkup should include a review of your overall health, your personal risk factors and your family history of diseases.

That information will help determine what medical tests you might need. In general, here's what I cover with a man your age during a physical.

Blood pressure

You should have this screened every two years. An ideal blood pressure reading is below 120/80 mm Hg.

If your blood pressure is between 120/80 mm Hg and 140/90 mm Hg, you're in what's called the pre-hypertensive range. Your doctor may recommend changes in diet or exercise and more frequent blood pressure checks.

The higher your blood pressure, the higher your risk of cardiovascular disease.

Height and weight

This information is used to calculate your body mass index, a measure of obesity. If you're overweight, your doctor can suggest some approaches to help you lose weight.

Diet and exercise

A healthy diet and regular exercise can help you manage your weight and reduce your risk of many diseases. These are two of the most important factors to staying healthy.

Tobacco use

Your doctor can offer suggestions on tools to help stop tobacco use.

Nicotine replacement and medications can help reduce cravings.

Alcohol use

Is alcohol use causing problems in your personal life, at work, or to your health? Your doctor can help you decide and recommend ways to find help.

Sexually transmitted diseases

If you are sexually active and either you or your partner has had multiple partners, screening for sexually transmitted diseases is recommended.

Immunizations

You need a tetanus booster every 10 years. Especially because of your asthma, you'll want to get an annual flu shot. If your asthma worsens, your doctor could recommend an immunization for pnenumonia, too.

If you are planning international travel, or your job exposes you to blood or body fluids, you may need hepatitis immunizations.

Safety habits

Good safety habits can help prevent serious injury or disability. Your doctor will likely ask you about using seat belts and other safety topics.

Blood tests for diabetes and cholesterol

The need for these would depend on your personal health risks and your family history. If you've never had a diabetes or cholesterol blood test, if you are overweight, or have a family history of heart disease or diabetes, your doctor will likely order these tests.

Mental health status

By your mid 30s, many people have settled into a career, marriage and raising a family. Knowing you are on that path for the next 20 to 30 years or so can cause anxiety. I ask my patients "How's life in general?" kinds of questions to explore any mental health concerns.

Next checkup

There's no need to be embarrassed about being an infrequent visitor to your doctor's office.

At your age, if you are healthy and not taking regular medication, you don't need much health care. But it is wise to focus energy on staying healthy and developing habits that will keep you healthy for many years.

When you see your doctor, ask when you should have another checkup.

Because of your asthma, the recommendation could be to return every year. If the asthma remains under control and you don't have any other health concerns, the doctor might suggest a longer interval.

-- Philip Hagen, M.D., Preventive Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota

Medical Edge from Mayo Clinic is an educational resource and doesn't replace regular medical care.

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