Milestone medical tests in your 50s

You're in your 50s. It's the prime of your life -- or it should be. Don't let illness rob you of your health.

Comprehensive annual check-ups are not available on the NHS and may not be included in all private health care programmes (check your policy). If you prefer not to pay, there are many simple tests which may be available on the NHS and may save your health (and your life) later. Arrange an appointment with your GP to find out what would be best for you.

For women only: Thyroid hormone test. Your thyroid, that innocuous looking gland in your neck, is the body's powerhouse, producing hormones needed for metabolism. Ageing and disease, such as an overactive immune system, can wreak havoc causing the thyroid gland to produce too much or too little of its hormones.  Talk to your doctor if you have unexplained symptoms - he or she might recommend a blood test to check your thyroid.

The rectal examination. Dread it, hate it, joke with your friends about it. Just make sure you get one if you have any symptoms suggestive of bowel disease or (in men) prostate problems. These include any change in your normal bowel habit such as prolonged constipation, a more frequent or urgent need to go to the toilet, passing blood or mucus, or pain on opening your bowels.  Men should also be vigilant for increased frequency or urgency of urination, a slow stream or problems passing urine.  Along with other tests your doctor may recommend, it may give clues to treatable problems in your colon (think colon cancer) or prostate for men.

For men only: PSA-prostate examination. Short for prostate specific antigen, this blood test when combined with a rectal examination can help to detect prostate cancer in most men. You can request a test via your GP but you will have to sign a form stating you are aware of the risks - experts disagree on the usefulness of a PSA test and some believe it can lead to unnecessary cancer treatment in some men. Discuss this with your doctor.

Stepping on the scales. This is the age when most people start gaining weight especially around their middle - the classic ‘middle-aged spread' or apple shaped obesity which is particularly linked to heart disease and diabetes.

Watch this weight gain carefully, and fight back with healthier eating and exercise. Being overweight puts you at high risk for developing a number of diseases -- and studies show that weight loss can improve your odds. Central obesity is particularly responsive to exercise rather than simply dieting.

Blood pressure. Untreated high blood pressure is an equal opportunities killer -- it kills your heart, your brain, your eyes and your kidneys. Don't let hypertension sneak up on you. Get your GP or practice nurse to check your blood pressure. It's simple and it's quick.