Give Dad The Gift Of Good Health This Year

"After age 40, I think it's a good idea to get a yearly checkup with your physician," says Dr. Scott Rabon, a family physician.

A checkup involves blood work, blood pressure check, checking eyes, listening to the heart and breathing. All these things tell your doctor a lot about your health.

Regular checkups are also a weapon in preventing some cancers.

Physicians say one of most important elements of a physical is listening to what the patient has to say. That is your cue to fill your doctor in on anything that is bothering you.

"I'd say two-thirds of medicine is in the history. So what the patient is telling you is really the most important thing," says Rabon.

If you have a few things you want to talk to your doctor about write them down and take the list to the checkup.