The choices that you make about your lifestyle are important to your health. One important fact about living your life the best way possible is to keep up with the recommended screening tests to ensure you are in good physical shape.

Cancer survivor Larry Mickley would have never known as early as he did that he had cancer if it wasn't for his annual physical. "I had just a general physical and had a bowel smear and my doctor said we may have a problem. It's what they call the silent killer, I mean, I felt great. I would just encourage everybody to start going to see your doctor, have a physical. It saved my life."

Breast cancer survivor Laura Cuty-Ruiz says that getting a physical can save your life too. Doctors not only treat you when you're sick, but they can also screen for certain conditions. This is one way you and your doctor can work together for a healthier you. "I wasn't anticipating having cancer at all and I was surprised since I was just going for routine visits. Had I waited for another couple of years, I would be in a very different situation most likely."

Physician Joel Van Sickler says that knowing your cholesterol levels and blood pressure should not be overlooked. "Hypertension is considered the silent killer because it causes heart disease, it causes stroke, it causes kidney failure."

There are gender and age specific tests like the annual prostate exam for men and pap smears for women. The bottom line is though it might sound complicated, your best tool is using common sense. By learning to listen to your body and listen to your physician, we can all live longer, happier lives.

For recommendations of certain screening tests you can contact the American Medical Association at 800-621-8335.