Turning 50 is a milestone that we all look forward to reaching, but let’s be honest, it’s also scary AF. For many of us, getting a doctor checkup is not high on the to-do list, but with this big birthday on the horizon, it’s more important than ever to check in with your primary care physician (or, first get a PCP) and make sure you’ve got a clean bill of health.  

“I can tell you from personal experience, the worst part about turning 50 years old is thinking about it,” says Jerrold S. Gertzman, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Capital Health Medical Group and family medical specialist. The good news? “Fifty is not really all that old. Your primary care physician can work with you to not only live longer but to live well longer.” After all, it's much easier to keep people healthy than to get someone healthy once they become sick, Dr. Gertzman says. “Preventing disease and preventing chronic medical conditions is the key to living well longer. Working with your primary care physician is the first step to a longer and more youthful life.”