General medical checkups: how often?

[EllieM]

I've luckily been relatively healthy all my life, but I am thinking about going to see my physician more often just to do routine checkups. I now only go once every few years, and mainly when I get sick. Is this something that is part of your life? How often do you do it?

[ava]

Regular check-ups are a necessity, but most of the time, this is easier said than done. Most of us have enjoyed good health, but it doesn't mean that we shouldn't visit the doctor every so often. I'd say a full body check once in a year, is good enough.

[MomDeb]

I try to go see my physician once a year. I am pretty healthy at this time in my life, but I think it's a good idea for my physician to do blood work and routine examinations so that she has a baseline of my health and gets to know me.

[JoanK]

I agree with MomDeb.  I've been having yearly physicals for years and yearly mammograms since age 40 (might have even been late 30s--too long ago to remember!).  I also see a gastroenterologist several times per year for a health issue.  I'm 56 and still have a yearly pap test from my internist as well.  Lastly, I visit my dermatologist every year for a skin check.