Whatever age you are, it pays to prevent health problems with a check-up

Research suggests that around 40 million people in the UK alone will visit a health website in the next week, with over 73 per cent of Britons saying they go online for health information.

Conversely, the results of a recent BUPA health and wellbeing survey found that while nearly three quarters of us say we are worried about developing a chronic health problem, few of us are changing our lifestyles or putting anything in place to reduce our risk of that happening. So what's the answer?

Recent studies have found that planning ahead for regular and more specialist check-ups at the right time of life, whether it be in your twenties or fifties, can help dramatically with alleviating health concerns and allowing you to get the best treatment as early as possible.

20s

Health screening tests are designed to catch problems before they develop into a serious illness, so be savvy and know what you are asking for before you head to your GP or health specialist.

All women 21 and over should have a smear every one to three years regardless of sexual history, to look for signs of cervical cancer. A full MOT at your local genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic to get tested for sexually transmitted diseases, as well as HIV and AIDS, should also be planned.

It's also never too early to start looking after your heart, and both men and women in their 20s should get a blood test and have their cholesterol, triglycerides (fatty acids) and pressure checked.

Don't hold off on getting an eye exam: women are at a higher risk of dry-eye syndrome and men with hypertension or diabetes more predisposed to the risk of glaucoma.

Testicular cancer is the most common disease in men between the ages of 20 and 39, says Cancer Research UK, so men are encouraged to examine themselves and tell their doctor should they find any lump, as cancer of the testicles found early enough is almost always curable. And remember, too, to top up your tetanus and diphtheria jabs.

30s

Skin checks are becoming increasingly the norm in thirtysomethings, and men and women are encouraged to visit a dermatologist for a full body exam - particularly those who are sun worshippers or have a family history of skin cancer. Recent findings by Cancer Research UK found one in 91 men and one in 77 women in the UK are at a lifetime risk of developing malignant melanoma. So keep an eye on any new moles and carry out self-inspections once a month.

We are also increasingly becoming encouraged to keep our mental health in check and should go to our GP and speak openly if we suffer from insomnia, irritability, loss of libido or sexual interest, and sluggishness.

40s

Continue to get regular blood and cholesterol tests, and get screened for pre-diabetes. Diabetes specialists recommend that after 45 you should get tested every three years. Women in their mid-late 40s are encouraged to go for a mammogram to detect any early signs of breast cancer. And health specialists recommend thyroid-stimulating hormone screening, which can be done with a blood test. Ask your optician to test for glaucoma, as early treatment can help prevent serious problems later.

50s

A colonoscopy is common from the age of 50, then one every ten years after that, depending on family history, in order to catch colon cancer early. A prostate cancer screening is also recommended, as one in six men is now diagnosed with the disease. An electrocardiogram (commonly known as an EKG or ECG) is also often performed on people in their 50s, to record the heart's electrical activity. Doctors then use the results to detect heart problems, such as heart attacks and arrhythmias, as well as check for any other disorders.

60s

Speak to your doctor about densitometry, a procedure that uses bone density scanners to help indicate signs of osteoporosis. Keep on top of the health checks you've had over the previous decades and, once over 65, you will be recommended yearly influenza and pneumococcal vaccines to help protect against the flu and pneumonia. Rectal exams are also likely to become more regular to detect haemorrhoidsor fissures.

This article was first published in Scotland On Sunday, 23 January, 2011