Stay Healthy at Every Age: What Your Doctor Wants You to Know

The most important thing in your life is your health.

Buying a car is a big investment. To make sure you get the most for your money, you want to keep your car running smoothly for as long as possible. The thing of it is, your health is no different. Just as routine auto tune-ups prevent major repairs to your car down the road, regular medical checkups can keep you driving right by the hospital.

Staying Healthy at Every Age gives you information to help avoid major medical problems and make the most of preventive care, keeping you and your family healthy.

Dr. Shantanu Nundy's book describes the diagnostic tests needed for "routine maintenance," including what and who is involved and when the tests should be done. It also covers all the common diseases, explaining causes, symptoms, and treatment. It provides and interprets at-a-glance schedules for screening, preventive medicine (such as aspirin to prevent heart disease and vaccinations), and counseling -- recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention -- to guard against disease before it develops.

Taking care of yourself is not much harder than taking care of your car. Like the checklists found in the owner's manual of your vehicle, these simple preventive health guidelines will keep your motor running longer and stronger.

Shantanu Nundy, M.D., is a physician at the University of Chicago Medical Center.