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If you aren’t feeling sick, then why in the world would you bother going to a doctor?

This is a question that men often ask themselves, and the answer might surprise many guys. Health screenings, or preventive checkups, can detect diseases before becoming symptomatic and when treatments are most effective. But, unfortunately, over half of American men skip their recommended annual physical exams, which becomes riskier as you get older.

Blood Pressure Screening

High blood pressure is all too common among American men, and uncontrolled blood pressure increases your heart attack and stroke risk. Starting around age 20, men should begin getting their blood pressure checked at least every other year.

Cholesterol Screening

High cholesterol also is a big problem among men, so guys over the age of 20 should start having their fasting lipoprotein profile checked every four to six years. This medical test checks your levels of good (HDL) cholesterol and bad (LDL) cholesterol to determine whether you face an increased risk of heart disease. Prostate Cancer Screening: Prostate cancer is one of the deadliest cancers, but treatment is far more effective when detected early. Most men should get their first prostate screening at the age of 50. However, African-American men, especially those with a family history of prostate cancer, may want to get tested starting in their mid-40s.

Diabetes Screening

By checking your blood glucose levels, a physician can determine your risk of developing diabetes, which can lead to heart disease and many other serious medical problems if left untreated. Starting at the age of 45, men should get a diabetes test at least every three years. In addition, more frequent screenings may be recommended for overweight men or those who have a family history of diabetes.

Colon Cancer Screening

Colon cancer is another deadly cancer for men, and the recommended age to start this screening is 50. Men with a family history of colon cancer should get screened sooner, as should younger men with a history of polyps or inflammatory bowel disease. Men should continue to have this screening until roughly 75 years old through stool sample tests, flexible sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy.

Osteoporosis Screening

Men and women are susceptible to osteoporosis (brittle bones) as they age, so it’s a good idea to get an osteoporosis screening starting at the age of 50.