- Colorectal cancer screening (fecal occult blood test, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy) Who needs: Everyone 50 and over; earlier for those at high risk. How often: Occult blood test annually; sigmoidoscopy every 5 years or colonoscopy every 10 years. Comments: Digital rectal exam and X-ray with barium enema may also be done. Medicare now pays for colonoscopy.

- Prostate cancer screening (prostate specific antigen, or PSA, test; and digital rectal exam, or DRE) Who needs: Blacks and men with family history, DRE and PSA starting at age 40. For others, DRE, and possibly PSA, starting at 50. How often: DRE annually; PSA on professional advice. Comments: Usefulness of PSA screening for all men remains controversial.

- Thyroid disease screening Who needs: Women 50 and over; those with high cholesterol or family history of thyroid disease. How often: On professional advice. Comments: Routine screening remains controversial. Talk to your doctor about risk factors.

- Chlamydia screening Who needs: Women 25 and younger, if sexually active. How often: Annually, or more often. Comments: Men and women of any age who are at risk for STDs (chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV) should be tested.

- Glaucoma screening Who needs: People at high risk: those over 65, very nearsighted, or diabetic; blacks over 40; those with sleep apnea or family history of glaucoma. How often: On professional advice of eye specialist. Comments: Many eye specialists advise screening all adults every 3-5 years, starting at age 39.

- Influenza vaccine Who needs: Everyone 50 and over, people with lung or heart disease or cancer, and others at high risk. How often: Annually, in autumn. Comments: Even healthy younger adults can benefit and should consider getting shot.

- Pneumococcal vaccine Who needs: Everyone 65 and over, and others at high risk for complications. How often: At least once. Comments: Effective against most strains of pneumococcal pneumonia; lasts at least 5-10 years.

- Rubella vaccine Who needs: All women of childbearing age. How often: Once. Comments: Avoid during pregnancy.

There are other important preventive measures not listed above-the kind of commonsense steps that could save millions of medical dollars and prevent injury, illness, disability, and premature death. Here's a checklist:

- Don't smoke, and avoid secondhand smoke.

- Maintain a healthy weight.

- Get regular exercise. Brisk walking for just half an hour every day can be a big factor in weight control and in staying healthy.

- Choose a diet low in animal fat and sodium, and rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat or nonfat dairy products. Eat at least two servings of fish a week.

- Keep alcohol consumption moderate: no more than one drink daily for a woman, two drinks for a man. If you are a heavy drinker, seek counseling, and cut back or quit.

- Do self-exams of your breasts or testes, as well as skin.

- Fasten seat belts, see that kids ride in proper restraints, and obey law. Drive sober and defensively.

- Brush and floss to prevent dental disease.

Someday there may be one magic test that will accurately detect anything and everything. Until then, this guide may be useful in making right healthcare decision for yourself and your family.

(C) by Irina 2003.

========================================================== About Author: Irina helps people save money on healthcare and create steady stream of residual income working from home http://www.megaone.com/hbb/savemoney/ ==========================================================

Upset Stomach or Gas: Ginger, Slippery Elm, Peppermint tea, Chamomile, fennel or fenugreek, Aloe Vera, and acidophilus.

Earaches: Mullien and Garlic oil, Onion poultice, Olive oil, and echinacea.

Eye Inflammation/Infection: Chamomile compresses, Echinacea and Goldenseal eye wash, Aloe Vera juice, Eyebright-Parsley eye wash, Colloidal Silver drops.

Toothache: Clove oil on affected tooth, Tea Tree oil or Colloidal Silver.

Insect Bites/Itching/Rashes: Sting-Stop Homeopathic remedy, Calendula Gel, Tea Tree oil, Florasome Cream (homeopathic), and Comfrey Cream.

You should be able to finall all of these items in your local health food store. Although these remedies are safe for most people, there may be an ocassion of an allergic reaction to any herb. If using a remedy for a child, adjust dosage. Always seek medical attention if a problem worsens. If you have any queations regarding an herb or supplement, consult with a certified nutritionist or a natural health expert.