Bringing my car in for routine service is not high on my list of enjoyable activities. The reasons, uh hum excuses, are endless … I don't have time, it runs great and there's nothing wrong, it might be expensive … OK, so you get the picture.

Now as much as I dislike scheduling the oil changes and tune ups, I make it a priority. Yes, that's right, a priority. The owner's manual tells me, "the scheduled maintenance services must be done at the times specified to assure the continued proper functioning of the vehicle and to provide best vehicle performance and reliability - failure to do so may result in costly and inconvenient repairs."

If an owner's manual came with the human body, I presume it would sound quite similar. Just as vehicles require preventive maintenance for best performance and longevity, so do bodies.

Preventive health screening tests are a cost-effective way to assist in identifying actual health problems or an individual's risk for developing a future condition or disease. They range from the simple blood pressure check to the more complex colonoscopy. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends the following preventive screening tests for healthy adults: blood pressure measurement, cholesterol measurement,

Pap smear, breast cancer screening, colorectal cancer screening, prostate cancer screening, diabetes screening, thyroid disease screening, chlamydia screening, glaucoma screening, and dental checkup. Many important factors, including gender, age, family history, and lifestyle behaviors, influence which screenings you need and how often you need them - talk to your doctor about what is right for you. When combined with regular physical exams, screening tests help people live longer, healthier lives.

Consider the impact preventive health screening tests have in saving lives. When a problem is detected early, your chances for treatment and cure are better. In one recent instance, a 51-year-old man participated in the annual health risk assessment offered at work.

Knowing and understanding the benefits of health screenings, this employer had the foresight to maintain its worksite wellness program even during a time of economic stress. As a result of a PSA screening, prostate cancer was discovered in an early and treatable stage for this man. He credits his employer with saving his life. So does his family.

Through screening tests, even before symptoms are recognized, seemingly healthy individuals can learn to monitor their health more closely and adopt healthy lifestyle behaviors, thus avoiding or delaying future problems. Take for example, a 33-year-old woman who learned from a routine blood pressure check that she had pre-hypertension. Her blood pressure was higher than normal, and although she did not currently have high blood pressure, she was likely to develop it in the future. In her case, after losing a few pounds, becoming more physically active, and reducing salt in her diet, her blood pressure returned to normal range. She now practices healthy habits to help maintain normal blood pressure readings.

Don't put off preventive health screening tests. This is your body we're talking about - the one and only. No Lemon Laws, warranties, or trade-ins; and you can't buy a new one when it breaks down. Be pro-active and take charge of your health. Make an appointment to see your doctor - share your family health history, discuss your risk factors for developing a condition or disease, voice your concerns, and ask questions! You are worth it!

If you won't do it for yourself, do it for those you love. Today kicks off National Women's Health Week which runs through May 16. National Men's Health Week begins June 15 and continues through Father's Day. What better time to start making your health a priority?

Amy Deschler is a Registered Nurse and Certified Wellness Coach for Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare-All Saints.