Complete physicals and health recommendations vary with age, gender, family history and what we refer to as risk factors. Research tells us that the typical "complete physical" of the past actually did very little to find or prevent disease. So we now use these visits to target those conditions patients are at risk for at that particular point in their life. At age 50, I am aggressively screening for cancers, diabetes and heart disease. At age 20, you are at greater risk from STD and hepatits exposure, accidents and depression. Your "complete physical" should include a history and physical examination, but also focus on counseling for lifestyle modification, (i.e. smoking cessation, exercise, weight loss, skin cancer protection and STD education). Lifestyle modification at age 20 will greatly impact your quality of life, morbidity and mortality later in life.