• Eating a diet that is low on fat, high on fibre with adequate servings of fresh vegetables and fruits is known to prevent health complications and many common illnesses. Such a diet is even known to combat some forms of cancer.


• Maintaining an optimum weight, being physically able whatever your age, going easy on high calories and salt and keeping intake of alcohol to a minimum helps in preventing cholesterol and blood pressure.


• Avoiding tobacco in any form will prove to be beneficial


• Regular exercise which is incorporated into a daily routine helps to ward off many diseases. People who have been inactive all their lives benefit when they begin to exercise even on a moderate scale. Heart diseases. Colon cancer, blood pressure and diabetes are some of the complications that can be controlled with regular exercise.


• Lighter activities like walking, climbing stairs, gardening, routine house work and dancing or light aerobics have many benefits. However, if you are used to a sedentary life, please consult your doctor before you begin any exercise regimen.


• Using seat belts while in a car and helmets when driving a two wheeler is known to have saved many lives.


• Visits to a doctor should be made on a routine basis for preventive care and counseling.

Here are some screenings that have been recommended for men and women that you should be aware of in order to play your role as family caretaker to perfection:

• Pap test for women to detect cervical cancer â€" yearly. For men, screen for testicular cancer â€" yearly.


• Have a blood glucose test done â€" yearly


• A mammography should be performed for detecting breast cancer â€" yearly. For men, check for prostate problems â€" yearly.


• Consult your doctor at least once about the blood tests for total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol. Follow up if there are abnormalities.


• Check for occult blood with a fecal test which will reveal silent bleeding if any, in the digestive tract.


• Have a colon and rectum test every three to five years.


• The thyroid often causes many problems. Check with a hormone test again every three to five years.


• Iron deficiencies can give rise to anaemic conditions. Check the haemoglobin and ferritin levels after consulting your doctor.


• Urine analysis is required on a regular basis if you are a diabetic. Excess protein in the urine should also be analysed.


• If you are exposed to the sun, have a skin examination done to detect skin cancer.


• A lipid profile is a must if you have coronary disease.


• Tests for glaucoma should be conducted if you are over 40 years of age, especially if there is a family history of glaucoma.