Many illnesses have only minor symptoms when they first start.
Unless a doctor has checked for these health conditions, your first clue could be when something really bad has already occurred, such as a heart attack or stroke.
Cancer is one such disease.
Many types, including ovarian and pancreatic cancer have very vague symptoms, if any at all.
These conditions have high fatality rates because they aren't caught early enough to intervene.
Diabetes is also easily missed.
Mild depression, changes in appetite and weight can all be ascribed to both diabetes and other outside influences.
As type 2 diabetes is often found in those overweight, these could be mistaken for being on a diet and unhappiness with your appearance.
Fortunately, there are simple tests that can be an indicator of this problem.
Hardening of the arteries is caused by plaque, made mostly of cholesterol, builds up along the walls of these important blood vessels.
As more and more plaque is added, it narrows the channel for the blood to flow.
This can be a primary cause for high blood pressure.
It can also kill in its own right.
Once the artery is completely blocked, it can't get back to the heart.
This can trigger many life ending conditions including a heart attack or stroke.
It could also mean the loss of a limb.
About the only symptoms of high blood pressure are a slight headache and perhaps flushing of the face.
However, while it is not telling you it's there, it can destroy your kidneys, mess up your heart, damage arteries and cause heart attacks, strokes and an aneurysm.
That is why your doctor has blood pressure checked each time you go in to see him or her.
Kidney disease is caused when the cells that filter out waste can no longer do the job properly.
There are five stages, and almost no symptoms until you've hit stage four.
Stage five is called "end stage," which means you will need dialysis and/or a kidney transplant to stay alive.
So, what can you do to avoid all of this?Several things.
First, you should get a physical at least once a year.
Twice might be better, especially if you are at high risk for any of these conditions.
Your doctor can give you this information and let you know when to come back for a recheck.
Second, some of these problems can be avoided with a few lifestyle changes.
Notice I didn't say they're simple.
They really are easier to say than do.
However, get in shape, eat a healthy diet and cut the bad habits such as smoking.
Take charge of your health so you can enjoy a long life.