The flu is rampant in most of the country, and health officials say the season could peak soon. (Photo: Getty Images)

The flu is now widespread in all but seven states, and hospitalization rates match the dismal season two years ago. While health officials fear this will be an unusually bad year, it’s too soon to say.

The latest figures released Monday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show the flu hitting hard in most of the 43 states where the illness was widespread. But the flu was not yet rampant in populous states like California and New York.

The report is for the week of Christmas, and it shows the flu season following a similar track as the last two, when flu activity peaked no later than mid-January. Perhaps that will happen this winter, too, the CDC’s Dr. Michael Jhung said.

HOW BAD IS THIS FLU SEASON?

It’s not clear yet. Experts worry this winter will be unusually bad because the nasty bug that’s making most people sick isn’t included in this year’s vaccine. Preliminary data on how well the vaccine is working is still weeks away. Among infectious diseases, flu is considered one of the nation’s leading causes of death, killing roughly 24,000 a year, on average.

Related: Are Hugs The New Cold And Flu Fighters? 

HOW UNUSUAL IS FLU THIS YEAR?

The different flu strain makes predictions more difficult. The current season hit hard in December - earlier than usual. But the last two flu seasons hit early, too. So far, flu hospitalization rates are similar to the harsh season two years ago, which was dominated by a similar flu virus. Especially this year, health officials this year are urging doctors to treat flu patients promptly with antiviral medications.

HAS FLU BECOME EPIDEMIC?

Yes, but that’s not unusual. “It’s safe to say we have a flu epidemic every year,”Jhung said Monday. Epidemics occur when a virus spreads quickly and affects many people at the same time. According to one CDC definition, flu is epidemic when a certain percentage of deaths in a given week are due to flu and pneumonia.

Related: With 15 Children Dead, CDC Warns Of Flu Epidemic 

By that measure, flu epidemics occurred in nine of the last dozen winters, including this one. Flu-related deaths surpassed the epidemic threshold three weeks ago, then dropped below that level the next week. But other measures indicate flu still is epidemic.

IS IT TOO LATE TO GET A FLU SHOT?

CDC officials say no. The flu season appears to be on track to peak this month, but even if it does, the flu will still be around for months. Despite the new flu strain, the vaccine has been well matched in roughly a third of the flu cases seen so far. And it is considered to be effective against some other flu viruses that could surge in the late winter or spring. About 40 percent of the public was vaccinated against flu as of November, which is about normal in recent years, Jhung said.

Photo by Corbis Images

We don’t know quite yet what sort of flu season we’ve got ahead of us, according to Thomas Frieden, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who spoke at a joint influenza press conference with the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases on Thursday. “The bottom line here is there’s one thing to know about flu: It’s unpredictable,” he said. To that end, Frieden added, “Vaccination is the single most important step everyone 6 months of age and older can take to protect themselves and their families against influenza.”

If you’ve already done that, then go ahead and give yourself a pat on the back (or arm) for getting pricked — but don’t let your flu-fighting efforts stop there. Why? Because the flu shot isn’t guaranteed to keep you healthy, as it’s far from 100 percent effective. “The vaccine is, on average, around 40, 50 percent effective — in some situations, 60 to 70 percent effective,” Arnold Monto, M.D., a professor of epidemiology at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, told Yahoo Health. (Last year’s flu shot was about 61 percent effective, according to the CDC.) 

This lack of surefire protection is no excuse to forego the flu shot, though, according to some experts. “If you’ve vaccinated, you’re less likely to have a severe case of influenza,” said Amesh Adalja, M.D., an infectious disease doctor at the University of Pittsburgh. In other words, if you do develop a breakthrough infection, it will likely be a less miserable version of the flu.

So if you do add the flu shot to your fall to-do list, be sure to beef up the effectiveness of the vaccine with these simple strategies: 

Get vaccinated ASAP.

Doctors used to advise waiting as long as possible for a vaccination, under the assumption that its power would wear off over time, Monto told Yahoo Health. However, he said, “Some of our studies suggest that’s not the case.” In fact, waiting too long may be a bad thing: It takes about 14 days for your body to produce antibodies against the flu virus after receiving the vaccine. “If you get the flu within two weeks of getting your shot, it’s probably because the shot hasn’t had enough time to stimulate your immune system,” Adalja said. 

That means holding off until December could leave you vulnerable during the peak of flu season. “Get the vaccine whenever the vaccine is available,” Monto suggested. “Don’t play roulette with trying to get it too late, because we might have an early season.” In 2009, for example, the flu season peaked in October, rather than around Christmas. 

Related: High-Dose Flu Shot Benefits Older Patients, Study Finds

Spring for the high-power vaccine.

Not all flu vaccines are created equal. “Trivalent” varieties protect against two strains of influenza A, as well as one strain of influenza B. Quadrivalent vaccines do all of that — while also shielding against a second influenza B strain. “The first year the quadrivalent vaccine was available was last year,” Adalja said. “This year, it’s much more widely available.” 

Although it may cost you a little more, it appears to be worth seeking the extra protection the quadrivalent flu shot affords. “In recent years, we’ve had two strains of influenza B circulating, and causing about equal proportions of visits,” Adalja said. Since trivalent vaccines only shield against one B strain, you might be the unlucky vaccinated person who gets sick if exposed to the other B strain.  In fact, “we’ve been increasingly seeing severe cases of influenza due to influenza B,” said Adalja. Health-care providers and pharmacies often offer both types of flu shots, Monto said, but you should call ahead to ask if the extra-strength version is available.

Lift weights first.

Pumping iron may pump up your body’s response to the flu shot. In a 2007 study, published in the journal Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, researchers asked people either to sit quietly for 25 minutes or to perform bicep curls and side arm raises six hours before receiving a flu shot. Eight weeks later, the weight-lifting group showed a stronger immune response to the vaccine. Why? By targeting their arms, the exercisers may have increased blood flow to the vaccination site, leading to a more efficient immune response. Plus, “any time you exercise, that involves some inflammation,” said Adalja. This may cause immune cells to flock to the area, further increasing the vaccine’s efficacy, he said.  

Go to bed early.

Skimping on sleep doesn’t just give you bags under your eyes — it could detract from your flu shot. There’s evidence that sleep deprivation —whether chronic, or even just the night before or after you get vaccinated— may tamp down your body’s immune response to the shot, said Arik Prather, an assistant professor at the UC San Francisco School of Medicine, who has studied vaccine efficacy. 

What’s the shuteye–flu shot connection? When you sleep, your immune system deploys T and B cells to lymphoid organs, where they’re exposed to any viruses invading your body. “That provides the opportunity to mount a necessary response,” Prather told Yahoo Health. This same immune process happens the night after you get pricked. “By getting a flu vaccine, you develop memory T cells and B cells that, when exposed to the actual virus, come to life and fervently attack it,” Prather explained. So aim for 7 to 9 hours a night — especially right before and after receiving the vaccine. 

Related: Sleep Hack: Keep Your Feet Outside Your Covers!

Squash stress.

Stress really does show up in every part of your body. Young, healthy adults with high levels of mental tension exhibited a 12 percent weaker immune response immediately after receiving the flu shot, compared to low-stress people, a recent study in Psychosomatic Medicine found. Four months later, the high-tension group had 17 percent lower antibody levels than their less-stressed peers. “If you have a high level of stress, you have high levels of cortisol,” said Adalja. “We know that cortisol is an immune-suppressing substance. That may block the response to the vaccine.” So light those pumpkin-scented candles, go for a nightly walk, hit the yoga mat — just find your stress-busting strategy, and stick to it. 

What some may call “overreacting” could actually just be “practicing good hygiene.” (Photo: CBS)

Between bolting at the first sign of a sniffle to carrying around anti-bacterial wipes like a fashion accessory, it’s easy to understand why germaphobes may have a more “annoying” reputation.

But while they can sometimes take things to the extreme, experts say they have a few habits the rest of us should actually consider. “There are definitely steps you can take to significantly lower your chances of getting sick,” says women’s health expert Jennifer Wider, MD. “Especially this year, where the flu season is exceptionally bad, it’s more important to take these steps.”

No one’s saying you should go overboard with the cleanliness, but by adopting some of these moves, you can increase your odds of staying healthy on the regular:

Hold Your Breath When Someone Sneezes

(Photo: Getty Images)

You’re directly in the line of fire when a friend, coworker, or stranger sneezes in your vicinity. And if that person has a cold, you’re at risk for infection. According to Wider, holding your breath momentarily after someone with a cold sneezes can actually help lower your odds of catching it.

“Every sneeze expels tiny droplets that contain germs that can lead to infection,” she says, and breathing them in is bad news for your health. Just hold your breath for a few seconds to let the droplets settle, and then breathe normally. Since the most common way of catching a cold is by touch, it’s also a good idea to wash your hands if you’ve been near someone who is sneezing. 

Related: Are You Crazy for Working Out While Sick?

Wipe Down Your Phone

(Photo: Getty Images)

Many of us share a rather intimate relationship with our smartphones — we touch them on and off all day, and regularly hold them near our faces after placing them on a variety of germy surfaces. Unfortunately, your nose, mouth, and eyes are “the most direct portal for germs to enter your body,” says internist Roshini Raj, MD, author of “What the Yuck?!” She advises cleaning your phone at least once a week with a disinfectant wipe to limit your exposure to unwanted bacteria. 

Clean Your Hands After Pumping Gas

(Photo: Getty Images)

It’s probably a good idea to add an additional step to your gas-pumping routine: Clean your hands! According to a recent study from personal hygiene brand Kimberly-Clark Professional, gas pump handles are the filthiest surfaces that people encounter on their way to work. Why? A slew of people touch them during the day, and they rarely get cleaned, allowing for dirt and bacteria to build up over time. Since many gas stations have installed hand sanitizers near the pumps, Wider recommends using them before you touch your car door handle or steering wheel.

Use A Paper Towel On Public Bathroom Handles

(Photo: Getty Images)

Studies have shown that the toilet seat isn’t the germiest surface in a public restroom. According to research from the University of Florida, faucets, soap dispensers, and door handles actually contain the most bacteria. “Just think about how many people aren’t washing their hands, or at least aren’t washing properly, before they grab the handle,” says Raj. She recommends washing your hands, then using a paper towel to turn off the faucet and push open the door, so you don’t re-contaminate your newly clean hands.

Related: I Hired A Flossing Coach, And It Might Actually Be Worth It

Put Down the Toilet Seat Lid Before You Flush

(Photo: Getty Images)

Public restrooms aren’t the only bathrooms that get germy — your bathroom at home can also become a bacteria breeding ground. Something that can help keep bacteria in check: Lower the toilet seat lid before you flush. This prevents water vapors and microorganisms known as “toilet plume” aerosols from shooting into the air and landing on your toothbrush, says Beverly Hills dentist Kyle Stanley, DDS. Inhaling or swallowing those microorganisms, which is easy to do when you brush your teeth, can make you sick.

It’s a good idea to have some kind of cover over your toothbrush in the bathroom anyway, says Stanley, since germs and bacteria can easily snuggle up to the bristles. 

Wash Your Hands — The Right Way

(Photo: Getty Images)

You’ve been washing your hands regularly since you were a kid, but odds are you’re not doing it properly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that you wash your hands for a full 20 seconds (the amount of time it takes you to hum the “Happy Birthday” song twice), making sure to lather the front and back of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails for most of the time. This process helps remove surface germs, which can still stick around if you do a quick wash. “Over 80 percent of infectious diseases are transmitted through the hands, so proper hand hygiene is essential,” says Raj. 

Clean Your Handbag Often

(Photo: Getty Images)

Your bag goes everywhere with you — restaurants, work, public transportation — and it often sits on desks, tables, and the floor. Once you bring it home, you may put it on your kitchen counter or bed. So … when was the last time you cleaned it? According to Raj, you should periodically wipe the outside of your bag with a sanitizing wipe to get rid of germs lingering on the surface. Planning to wipe your phone while you’re at it? Use a new wipe, or you’ll transfer the germs from one surface to another.

As flu season kicks into gear, parents have to decide what’s best for their children. (Photo by Getty Images)

Marysue Grivna of Town ‘N Country, Fla., used to sing in her church choir and was an enthusiastic elementary-school student. But now the 10-year-old girl is bedridden, and her mother, Carla, blames her daughter’s condition on the flu vaccine, 10 News in Tampa Bay Sarasota reported.

On Nov. 22, 2013, Marysue received her annual flu shot, and the next morning, she was unresponsive, according to her GoFundMe page. “I attempted to wake her and could not at first,” her mother wrote. “Finally, she opened her eyes but she did not speak to me.” Grivna called 911, and a few days later, her daughter was diagnosed with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), a rare condition associated with inflammation throughout the brain and spinal cord. A year later, Marysue is confined to a wheelchair and eats through a feeding tube.

After developing a rare brain disease last year, Marysue Grivna is bedridden. Could the flu vaccine be to blame? (Marysue Lucille Grivna Trust/Facebook)

Her parents are convinced that the vaccination is what triggered Marysue’s condition. “Yes, it is possible,” said Dr. Aaron Boster, an Ohio State University neuroimmunologist who specializes in ADEM and similar conditions. “About 5 percent of all cases of ADEM might be triggered by a recent immunization.”

Related: Bizarre Medical Mystery: 12-Year-Old Boy Has No Desire to Eat or Drink

Overall, the rate of postvaccination ADEM is extremely low: about 10 to 20 people per million individuals who get immunized, according to a 2014 study in Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics, which analyzed an ADEM case in a 59-year-old man who’d received the flu vaccine 10 days before showing symptoms. For the flu shot specifically, the rate of ADEM is about one per 10 million doses. (ADEM has been linked, albeit somewhat tenuously, to a number of vaccines, including those for rabies, mumps, and polio.) 

More often, though, ADEM is associated with a recent infection, not an immunization. “You could develop ADEM as a consequence of the flu,” said Dr. Emmanuelle Waubant, a professor of neurology at the University of California, San Francisco. “If you look at the incidence of ADEM related to infections versus cases related to vaccines, there are actually much fewer with vaccines than with infections.” 

Either way, the condition is extremely rare — Boster sees only two or three cases of ADEM a year, versus about 25 new cases of multiple sclerosis per day — although doctors can’t predict what causes some people’s immune systems to go haywire. (It’s much more common in children, possibly because their immune systems aren’t fully developed.) “In a nutshell, ADEM is an inappropriate immune response,” he said. The result: In a matter of hours or days, patients develop massive amounts of inflammation throughout the entire brain and spinal cord.

“ADEM is in the same vein as multiple sclerosis,” Boster told Yahoo Health. “But with M.S., you’ll have one area of inflammation, affecting one part of the central nervous system. Here, you might have 20 or 30 [areas] all at the same time. When you do an MRI, you’ll see these large, fluffy, white lesions throughout the brain and spinal cord.”

The specific areas of the central nervous system that are affected determine the symptoms, which can range from seizures to nausea to paralysis. “It’s typically a very dramatic presentation — it can be very, very scary,” Boster said. “But it very often completely resolves and never comes back. It’s a one-hit wonder.”

Related: 3 Flu Vaccine Myths — Busted!

Generally, ADEM clears up within three months — although, as in Marysue’s extreme case, symptoms may linger if the recovery wasn’t complete. “Let’s say that the circuitry that runs her leg was affected, and it recovers 90 percent,” he said. “She is going to be left with a residual 10 percent problem.” He compares this to using an electrical cord that’s been run over in your driveway — it may effectively power some of your Christmas lights but could short-circuit if overloaded.

So is the threat of ADEM serious enough to warrant forgoing your child’s flu vaccine? Both Boster and Waubant say no. “You have a better chance of winning the lottery than you do of this happening,” Boster said. “If you’re going to play statistical odds, the likelihood of having a very bad outcome from the flu is much, much higher.” CDC data shows that between 3,000 and 49,000 people in the U.S. die each year from the flu.

The secret to preventing illness may be as simple as a warm embrace. (Photo by Tim Roberts/Getty Images) 

If you’ve ever gotten a hug and instantly felt better, that embrace might have been helping more than just your mood. According to new research from Carnegie Mellon University, a hug can actually boost the body’s ability to counter stress and fight off infection.

To conduct the study published in the journal Psychological Science, researchers used a questionnaire to monitor the perceived social support in 404 adults’ lives, in addition to tracking the frequency of their interpersonal conflict by phone over the course of 14 consecutive days. At the same time, the scientists also measured the amount of hugs participants received over the course of the two weeks.

After 14 days of social-support assessments, the healthy participants were quarantined and intentionally exposed to the common cold virus. The researchers then watched for symptoms of illness, to see how well the men and women were able to fight off the infection.

Related: Why People Listen To This Whispering Woman To Feel Better

Having the perception of social support from loved ones seemed to curb the risk of infection associated with stress, according to study author Denise Janicki-Deverts, Ph.D, a research psychologist at Carnegie Mellon. “We found that greater frequency of daily conflict was associated with increased risk of infection among people who perceived having low social support, but not among those perceiving higher amounts of support,” she tells Yahoo Health.

Furthermore, hugs had an impact similar to social support. They seemed to factor into the overall illness-buffering mechanism, accounting for 32 percent of social support’s protective benefit. In the participants, the greater support they felt and the more frequently they received hugs, the less severe their cold symptoms — whether or not they’d experienced significant conflicts over the prior two weeks.

What’s at work inside that hug?

Lead researcher Sheldon Cohen, Ph.D, a professor of psychology at Carnegie Mellon’s Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences, has a guess. “There are two possibilities,” he tells Yahoo Health. “One is that hugs are a marker of intimacy and closeness of a person’s relationships and are just telling us that an individual has a strong supportive network. The other is that touch itself is beneficial and helps protect people in the face of stress.”

You probably already know that it’s easy to contract an illness when you’re totally stressed out. That’s because stress generates negative emotions, which are in turn associated with activation of the body’s biological stress system. “This stress system is intimately related to the immune system and the cardiovascular system,” says Janicki-Deverts. “Thus, stress has the potential to directly or indirectly influence diseases and conditions related to those systems.”

Create positive vibes, and you’ll be working against stress’s emotional toll. “We see hugs as a way of conveying care, concern and affection, likely to come from trusted others,” says Janicki-Deverts.

So, close relationships do seem to count when it comes to fighting off infection, and embraces from your loved ones plays a key role in countering the effects of an illness.

It’s time to tap your tightest network for a hug stat. It might be the easiest tip you come across for cold and flu season.

(Photo: Getty Images)

It’s that time of year again: Time for sore throats, sniffles and shivers.

We recently spoke with Dr. Woodson Merrell, M.D., Executive Director of the Beth Israel Medical Center’s Center for Health and Healing in New York City, who shared some great tips and tricks to avoid getting taken down by a cold or the flu this winter.

From cooking with spices to essential-oil inhalations, check out some not-so-common ways to kick a cold to the curb.

1. Try eucalyptus and menthol steam inhalations. It’s old-school, but grandma did it for a reason — it works. Eucalyptus and menthol inhalations work as an expectorant, decongestant and can even help kill the infection. 

Related: Why You Should Be Drinking Eucalyptus Tea

(Photo: eskaylim/iSotck/Getty Images)

Heat up some water almost to a boil on the stove. Remove the pot and add a few drops of each essential oil. Put a towel over your head to create a tent effect, then lean over the pot to inhale the steam.

Can’t boil water? Put a few drops of the essential oils on a washcloth and place it on your shower floor; the hot water will create a soothing steam.

2. Cook with anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial herbs and spices. You would be surprised at the number of medicinal remedies that are in your kitchen. Two examples: Garlic and turmeric.

(Photo: Santje09/iStock/Getty Images)

Garlic has anti-microbial properties, while turmeric, a spice popular in Indian cuisine, Dr. Merrell called “the most powerful anti-inflammatory.” He suggests trying to incorporate them in your meals as much as possible.

Related: The Benefits of Ginger, Turmeric and Garlic

3. Keep tea tree oil handy. You might know Melaleuca alternifolia by its more common name: tea tree oil. This plant native of Australia has been shown to act as an antiviral against influenza in a 2009 study.

Dr. Merrell recommends carrying around a small bottle of organic tea tree oil and taking a small inhalation when walking into crowded spaces like the subway or a bus.

4. Eat Manuka honey. Adding a little Manuka honey to your hot tea, smoothie, or even oatmeal, might help you fend of infections.

(Photo: Valeriya Repina/iStock/Getty Images)

In recent research, microbiologist Elizabeth Harry of the University of Technology in Sydney, Australia, found that “when tested against other honeys, Manuka honey was the most effective at inhibiting the growth of all the bacteria.”

5. Increase the humidity in your home. Research suggests that there might a reason why cold and flu season coincides with winter.

According to a 2009 study by Jeffrey Shaman, Ph.D., of Oregon State University in Corvallis, the influenza virus is more likely to survive in low humidity conditions, increasing its chances of infecting people.

By Luz Plaza

More from Livestrong.com:

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Misery loves misconception: Learn the truth about flu protection to stay healthy this season. (Photo: Tom Merton/OJO Images/Getty Images)

If you’re planning to get a flu shot, now is the time: The vaccine offers the best protection before flu season kicks into high gear in late fall. “The flu vaccine is the number one way to prevent influenza unless you live in a bubble,” said Dr. Susan Rehm, vice chair for Cleveland Clinic’s Department of Infectious Disease. Still, myths about the flu vaccine persist. Here, some of the top misconceptions — and the reality.

Myth #1: The protection lasts for more than a year

For the flu shot to be effective, you need one every year, ideally as soon as it’s available so that your defenses are raised through the entire flu season. There are two reasons for this: Just like a tetanus shot protects you for 10 years, the flu shot covers you for one. You might have some lingering protection after the 365-day mark, but it won’t be nearly as powerful.

Secondly, last fall’s vaccine might not work against the new strains circulating this season. “The flu virus changes all the time. It changes a little bit during the season, from October to May, and it certainly changes from year to year,” said Dr. Michael Jhung, medical officer at the Influenza Division of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). To account for that, scientists adjust the formula every year in order to match it to the specific types of influenza virus that experts predict will be the most common.  

Related: What Does Ebola Do to the Body?

Myth #2: Receiving the flu vaccine ensures you won’t get sick

Overall, the flu shot is about 50 percent effective, Dr. Jhung said. That doesn’t mean you have a 50-50 chance of getting the flu. Instead, it means that your personal flu risk — whatever that likelihood may be — is cut in half by getting the shot. “Think of a best friend who does all of the things you do, meets all of the same people, and so has the same exposure to the flu virus as you do,” Dr. Jhung explained. “If you had your flu shot and your friend didn’t, your risk of coming down with the flu would be about half of hers.”

The vaccines available in the U.S. defer protection against either three or four different flu viruses, depending on the vaccine you choose. Determining which viruses to include is a bit like reading the weather — experts make the best educated guess possible but don’t always get it right. “We look at strains circulating in the previous season and over the summer, and in other parts of the world,” said Dr. Jhung. “The Southern Hemisphere has their flu season at the opposite time as our flu season, so we’re able to see what’s coming by looking at what their countries are going through.” 

Related: How to Get More Protection Out of Your Flu Shot

How well the shot works also differs from one individual to another. “It’s hard to say exactly how effective the flu vaccine will be for a particular person,” Dr. Rehm told Yahoo Health. 

Myth #3: There’s no reason to get the vaccine if you’re young and healthy

The flu is more dangerous than you might realize. Every year, about 200,000 people are hospitalized due to the flu or flu-related complications. The number of flu-related deaths swings widely from one year to another but ranges from about 3,000 to 49,000, according to a CDC analysis. 

It’s true that older adults, young children, and people with chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease are especially at risk for serious flu-related health problems. But by getting your flu shot, you reduce your risk of transmitting the flu to them. A June 2014 study found that kids ages 5 and younger were significantly more likely to be hospitalized for the flu if no one in their household received a flu shot. But if even one family member was vaccinated, the risk for a flu-related hospital visit decreased.

“If you have an infant at home or a grandparent and you’re not vaccinated, you’re putting them at risk,” Dr. Jhung said. “You get vaccinated not only to protect yourself but to protect your family and your community.”

Is the flu shot right for you? Visit the CDC’s guide here. 

Even if doctors don’t ask, you should inquire about some tests. Better safe than sorry! (Photo Courtesy of Getty Images)

A routine physical may seem like a harmless, better-safe-than-sorry idea. But there is no evidence that it improves your health. There are, of course, exceptions. Here are four screens to and procedures that are worth getting.

Related: Four Tests to Avoid at the Doctor’s Office

1. Every Two Years: Hemoglobin A1c This test measures how your body processes carbs, and it’s more useful than the more common blood-glucose test. The range you’re shooting for is from 4.8 to 5.6; anything higher is a signal to cut back on sugar and booze. Get it checked now if you suspect your blood sugar is abnormal (say, you often feel faint or dizzy from low blood sugar, or you’ve had inexplicable weight gain).

2. High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein  Known as hs-CRP, this is a general test of inflammatory markers in your blood. Amounts rate on a scale from 1 to 3; a reading above 2 indicates high inflammation levels (a harbinger of almost every chronic disease) and the need to reboot diet and exercise. Test for it immediately if you’ve had high-inflammation side effects: constant fatigue, digestive problems, weight gain.

Related: Do You Have Systemic Inflammation?

3. Vitamin D Test Low levels of D affect everything from mood to heart, brain, and metabolic health. Ask your doctor for the 25-hydroxy vitamin D test to ensure levels are at 20 ng/ml or higher.

Related: 5 Products to Help You Soak Up Sun Safely

4. Once a Decade: Colonoscopy This disease is the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Screenings reduce risk; you should get one at ages 50, 60, and 70. Why only once every 10 years? Because colon cancer grows slowly — even if you were scoped at 50 and the cancer started growing at 51, you’d still have time to catch it at 60, with the same good results. It may sound counterintuitive, but research shows that health outcomes are no better when testing for colon cancer every five years versus getting tested every 10.

By Joseph Hooper

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