ANNUAL PHYSICAL 
It’s an all-too-common scenario. Your child is sick and you drop everything him to the doctor. You’re sick and trudge on, convinced that life will screech to half if you take time out to see your own physician. 

Likewise most of us wouldn’t dream of letting a year slip by without taking our children for their annual pediatric check-ups. But-while were diligent enough about healthy eating habits, exercise and keeping up with prescribed medications-many of us let years go by without stopping long enough to undergo a head-to-toe,no-stone-left-unturned annual physical Not smart. 
The past 30 years has seen a dramatic shift in health care in this country, moving away from sick care-visiting a doctor only when you have a medical problem-and toward well-care-taking a proactive role in staying healthy so that medical problems don't occur in the first place. Routine health exams and tests are a crucial part of any proactive healthcare program since annual tests and screenings can not only detect and treat problems early when cure rates are highest but ferret out potential trouble before it has a chance to begin.

According to Yvonne T. Green of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, not everyone has gotten the message. "There are things we need to do every day to stay healthy simply because we're human beings," she said. "There are others we need to do based on our age, family history, life style and existing medical conditions­ things too many Americans are still neglecting.’

In short, once we’re a certain age, taking control of our own health means regular, thorough physical exams the old-fashioned, hands-on way for early detection, prevention and treatment.

It’s easy to get so caught up in family, friends, career and marriage that you neglect your health. But when you disregard your own wellbeing, everybody loses. The best gift you give the ones love is to commit to eating right, getting proper exercise, taking prescribed medication, obtaining annual routine physical tests and screening and living a long and healthy life.

BEFORE YOU GO
To get the most out of your annual check-up, do a little homework before you go, including;

• Review your family history to know if you’re at a higher risk for certain conditions. Be prepared to share that information with your doctor
• Prepared a list ahead of time of questions you want to ask your doctor.
• Make notes on existing health problems and any changes in your general health since your last doctor visit. (i.e., changes in your eating habits sleep pattern, urine or stool or your general state of mind.)
• Compile a complete list of all prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbs or other supplements you’re taking or have taken recently.
• Commit to being completely candid with your doctor. The very symptom you’re too embarrassed to mention may be the one that nails your diagnosis.
• Prepare to take notes on anything the doctor tells you. Don’t rely on your memory.
• Request a copy of all laboratory work, diagnostic studies, consultations and the physician’s report for your personal records. Maintain a notebook or blinder with all of your medical records and any nutritional or exercise recommendations.