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Is Annual Checkup really necessary?

I have been going faithfully every year for my annual checkup.
There is not much for the doctor to do. He looks at EKG, blood test reports, listens to the heart, does the physical, and says "everything is fine, keep up your yoga."

As I approach 65, I am wondering whether annual physical is really necessary.
When I read the article  it triggered this post.

At this time, I am further reminded by another wonderful article "Why I Hope to Die at 75."

I like the author Ezekiel Emanuel's approach to health care as he ages.

  1. last colonoscopy will be at 65.
  2. no screening for prostate cancer at any age.
  3. AFTER 75
  • no treatment for cancer developed after 75.
  • no more routine doctor visits or routine tests and blood work
  • no cardiac stress test
  • No pacemaker and certainly no implantable defibrillator. 
  • No heart-valve replacement or bypass surgery
  • Flu shots are out.
  • no antibiotics
  • a do-not-resuscitate order and a complete advance directive indicating no ventilators, dialysis, surgery, antibiotics, or any other medication—nothing except palliative care
Pari and I will be making a living will and advance health directive soon. I am contemplating incorporating much of Emanuel's advice.

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