Primary Care Physician Checklist

• Blood Pressure
  Ask what it is and what it should be.
  


• Family History
  Discuss when you should be tested for diseases that have affected family members.
  


• Blood tests
  Starting between ages 35 and 40, you should have your cholesterol and blood-sugar levels checked to screen for heart disease and diabetes. Ask ahead if you need to make preparations, such as fasting before the test.
  


• Thyroid Function
  Women should have their thyroid tested every five years after menopause. You also should be tested if you have unexplained weight loss, irritability, irregular heart rate, insomnia or muscle weakness (all symptoms of an overactive thyroid), or fatigue, depression, weight gain, dry skin or trouble concentrating (all signs of an underactive thyroid).
  


• Bone Mineral Density (BMD)
  You should have a BMD test at age 65 (sooner if you are postmenopausal and have risk factors: for instance, you're thin or small boned, or you smoke or have a family history).
  


• Prescriptions
  Tell your doctor about any other drugs, herbs or supplements you're taking.
  


• Unusual Symptoms
  Describe anything abnormal—a rash, headaches, sadness, sudden weight gain or loss, fatigue.