[adevine]

I would actually be more critical of "regular checkups" than your post. If we are looking at being "data driven" when it comes to our health, the jury is definitely still out on even having annual physicals for otherwise relatively young, symptom free individuals: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/09/opinion/skip-your-annual-p...

A central problem is that you get loads of false positives when you are screening symptom-free individuals, and these false positives can cause real harm: beyond anxiety, they often bring on potentially painful, expensive and side-effect causing treatments. Just see the recent recommendations over the PSA test: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prostate_cancer_screening.

Definitely go to the doctor if you notice any symptoms or worrisome changes. For other types of screenings, be aware that the recommendations often change and that there is a real cost/benefit analysis (even in terms of your own body, not just financial cost) to be done.

[calinet6]

As a recent sufferer of health anxiety, I couldn't agree more. You can really go overboard with tests that are often harmful, and without a really deep understanding of statistics, it's difficult to understand exactly what they mean.

I am thankful every day that I had a great GP who both did enough to be prudent, and also helped me stay balanced and not go overboard, in just the right way. I could have been a lot worse off had I continued to pursue treatment.

That said, in a state where anxiety is controlled and my health is now stable, it's still important to be aware of changes and new symptoms, and to have an annual standard physical with a doctor you trust and stick with consistently so they know you and your body over time. Just don't go overboard.