5 things about your health that must be regularly checked

To stay healthy, it's vital to know what changes are happening to your body so you can act early if anything is detected. Here are 5 things you and your doctor must check.

Good health starts with broad strokes and an annual physical exam can help your doctor pinpoint trouble areas to follow up on. It'll vary depending on your age and gender, but it's an excellent way to flag potential issues. Some of the tests will likely include:

Getting a regular audiogram can help prevent issues before they become permanent, as hearing loss is very tricky, if not impossible, to reverse.

• You should schedule a regular one if hearing loss runs in your family, if you've suffered a head injury or if you're having trouble deciphering words and music.

Depending on your age, gender and family history, your doctor should order a variety of medical exams to screen for cancer.

• For men, testicular and prostate cancer are the big ones, while women will tend to be screened for breast cancer.
• Regardless of your gender, your lifestyle may warrant other cancer screenings, like if you smoke or are exposed to a lot of sunlight.

Many sexually transmitted diseases can be treated with few or no lasting effects, but only if you get properly and regularly screened for them.

• Get an STD test if you're considering becoming sexually active with a new partner.

Your heart is one of the most important organs in your body, and getting a blood pressure exam is a quick and painless way of ensuring your health is in tiptop shape.

• Readings can vary based on time of day, level of fitness and physical exercise and how stressed or relaxed you are, so don't be surprised if your doctor wants to perform multiple exams to get the most accurate numbers.

Even if you're out of puberty, having your doctor monitor your height and weight is a good way of seeing how healthy you are.

• Excessive weight gain can be a symptom of diseases or conditions, as well as causing them itself.
• Height can also be an indicator of poor or good health, such as if you lose a couple of inches from decreased bone density.

Even if you're feeling fine, going to the doctor for one of these necessary medical exams – even if it's not during your annual physical – can be just the thing you need to keep your health in the best possible condition.