If you're in your 20s:
Annual Pap test.
Baseline cholesterol test: Get into the habit of having your
cholesterol checked every five years, starting in your 20s, so you
can monitor any changes that might signal a heart-disease risk as
you get older.
Mole check: Do this every three years, or annually if you've
ever been sunburned.
Sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening: Ask your
gynecologist to screen for STIs at your annual exam.
If you're in your 30s:
Annual Pap test.
Baseline electrocardiogram (EKG): An EKG can catch changes
in your heart rhythm as you get older and detect symptoms of heart
disease; experts recommend starting at age 35 and getting a test
every five years.
Mammogram: Get one annually starting at 35 if you have a
family history of breast cancer. Otherwise, start at 40.
Thyroid hormone test: Get one at 35 and then every five
years. This checks the level of thyroid hormones in your blood;
irregular levels can cause fatigue and headaches.
Mole check: Do this every three years, or annually if you've
ever been sunburned.
Cholesterol test: Have one every five years.
Sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening: Ask your
gynecologist to screen for STIs at your annual exam.
If you're in your 40s:
Annual Pap test.
Blood glucose test: This blood test checks for conditions
like diabetes, hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and hypoglycemia
(low blood sugar).
Mammogram: Get one every year.
Mole check: Do this every three years, or annually if you've
ever been sunburned.
Cholesterol test: Get one every five years.
Sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening: Ask your
gynecologist to screen for STIs at your annual exam.