Who likes getting tests done? Most of you would probably say now. It’s not that fun to get health tests. This is especially true when you get older. In fact, it seems like the older you become the more tests you need to have done. Yet, do you know which ones you need now that you’ve turned 40? Just to give you a starting point, this article goes over 5 health tests you should get when you turn 40.

Here are just five tests—though there are others—that you must consider getting on a regular basis once you reach your 40th birthday.

Blood pressure test – You may have gotten by without worrying too much about it up to this point, but when you reach 40, it makes sense to get your blood pressure checked regularly. For men especially, once they reach this age bracket are more likely to deal with high blood pressure. The risk of heart attack is much higher now. It is important to keep table on their blood pressure. Adjustments in one’s lifestyle could help correct lower your blood pressure and help you avoid expensive medications.

Mammograms – After they reach 40, women should start getting regular mammograms. This health test is intended to check for the possibility of breast cancer. Some women may decide to get a mammogram earlier, but the risks for the development of this devastating cancer go up significantly once a woman reaches her forties.

Cholesterol blood test – The ravages of time often combine without own rough treatment of our bodies when we’re younger to causes other health issues to become relevant at 40. Though you may not have thought much about your cholesterol during your 20s and 30s, things may start change now. In fact, your body may go through many changes. You may have problems with high cholesterol that could cause other medical issues. This is why most physicians recommend that you start getting cholesterol blood tests at this time in your life. Who wants to risk a heart attack or stroke due to clogged arteries that are caused by bad cholesterol?

Diabetes screening – Another disease that commonly emerged when you reach your 40s and 50s is diabetes. Now, more than perhaps in past years, the disease has become more aggressive. This is in large part due to the terrible diets of the population. A diabetes screening should definitely be added to your regular doctor visits when you become 40. You may be able to stop the development of the disease entirely.

Vision – While many people will get their vision checked regularly anyways, it may be more important once you reach 40. This is because most eye problems start at this age, if you haven’t had them already. It could be something as simple as poor eyesight. That’s right. You may have to get a pair of eyeglasses or contacts. For most of your life, your vision was impeccable. Now that you’re 40, you start to notice problems. Doctors suggest getting annual vision tests to keep on top of sight issues.

You should consider getting older a curse. If you are willing to take care of yourself now, you may not have many problems to worry about later. There are just some health tests that should be done for preventative reasons. It’s better to be safe than sorry, they always say.

Mary E. Ward writes about how to choose among online phlebotomy technician programs.