As a new year begins, many of us make resolutions — to exercise more and lose weight, to learn something new, to get more organized. Getting healthier is a worthy resolution but, it can be difficult to get started if you don't know where to begin.

Many hospitals offer what used to be called "executive checkups," offering a whole package of tests meant to be done annually, usually required by the workplace. This has now been updated to what we know as "wellness visits."

But just how often do certain tests need to be done? How old should you be to start having an annual physical exam?

In general, all adults should have an annual physical exam. This is when your doctor will ask about your health history, any symptoms, current medications, check your vital signs and give you a thorough examination.

The premise for annual exams is the prevention of illness and to catch health conditions before they cause any problems or complications. And it's never too early or too late to start taking care of your health.

While guidelines recommend screening tests starting at around 40 to 45 years old, the timing of tests also depends on the likelihood that you might develop a certain disease, or what your risk factors are for getting sick. So be sure to tell your doctor everything that might concern your health – supplements or herbal medications, previous surgeries, and significant health conditions in the family. The frequency at which these tests need to be repeated will depend on the results of the initial tests.

Take colon cancer for instance. As with most cancers, if discovered early, treatment can be curative and patients can live a long healthy life afterward. The current recommendation for colon cancer screening is to start at 50 years old for those without a personal history of colon polyps or a family history of colon cancer. For those with a history of colon cancer in the immediate family, screening should start at 40 years old, or 10 years before the age of diagnosis of colon cancer in the youngest affected first-degree relative, whichever is earlier.

Women of childbearing age and those planning to start a family should have regular visits with their obstetrician-gynecologist. It is recommended for Filipinas to have pap smears starting at 21 years old, and repeated every 1 to 3 years. Self-breast exams should be done regularly, and yearly mammograms should be done starting at 50 years old, but can be done as early as 40 years old, depending on risk factors and family history.

For men, screening for prostate cancer includes a test called prostate specific antigen (PSA) and a digital rectal exam, starting at around age 55.

An ECG and a treadmill stress test are not usually required annually but should be considered in patients who have unusual chest pain, abnormal findings on previous ECGs and known heart disease. Ask your doctor if these or any other tests are right for you.

If you haven't seen a doctor recently, make this one of your New Year's resolutions. And if you have any medical problems, remember to follow-up with your doctor regularly to stay in good health.