Advances in health care (and preventitive care especially) have served women well, helping to detect potentially serious conditions in their early stages. Still, many women don’t get the routine tests and check-ups that doctors recommend for women as they enter midlife.

Here are some of the important screening tests for women:

* Mammograms: Have a mammogram every 1 to 2 years starting at age 40.
* Pap Smears: Have a Pap smear every 1 to 3 years if you have been sexually active or are older than 21.
* Cholesterol Checks: Have your cholesterol checked regularly starting at age 45. If you smoke, have diabetes, or if heart disease runs in your family, start having your cholesterol checked at age 20.
* Blood Pressure: Have your blood pressure checked at least every 2 years.
* Colorectal Cancer Tests: Have a test for colorectal cancer starting at age 50. Your doctor can help you decide which test is right for you.
* Diabetes Tests: Have a test to screen for diabetes if you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
* Depression: If you’ve felt “down,” sad, or hopeless, and have felt little interest or pleasure in doing things for 2 weeks straight, talk to your doctor about whether he or she can screen you for depression.
* Osteoporosis Tests: Have a bone density test at age 65 to screen for osteoporosis (thinning of the bones). If you are between the ages of 60 and 64 and weigh 154 lbs. or less, talk to your doctor about whether you should be tested.
* Tests for Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Talk to your doctor to see whether you should be tested for sexually transmitted diseases.

For more information on making the most of your health and healtchare, get the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s guide Staying Health at 50+