As the saying goes "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," and as you get older, taking preventative measures can keep you healthy. And if you are a Medicare beneficiary, there are a number of preventive services available to you. Anyone with Medicare Part B has access to the following preventive services:

• Initial physical exam . If your Medicare Part B coverage begins on or after January 1, 2005, Medicare will cover a one-time "Welcome to Medicare" preventive physical exam within the first six months that you have Part B. Additionally, those at risk for abdominal aortic aneurysms may be referred for a one-time ultrasound at their initial exam.
• Cardiovascular screening . Medicare covers one test every five years to check your cholesterol and other blood fat levels.
• Cancer tests . Medicare covers breast cancer screening (mammograms) once a year for women over age 40; cervical and vaginal cancer screening (pap test and pelvic exam) once every two years for all women; colon cancer screening (colorectal) every year to every four years, depending on the test; and prostate cancer screening (PSA) every year for men.
• Shots . Medicare covers flu, pneumococcal, and Hepatitis B immunizations.
• Bone mass measurements . For women, Medicare covers bone mass measurements to check if you are at risk for fracture due to osteoporosis. The test is covered once every 24 months.
• Diabetes . Medicare covers up to two diabetes screenings per year. In addition, it covers glucose monitors, test strips, and lancets for individuals with diabetes and offers self-management training.
• Glaucoma tests . One glaucoma test is covered each year for people at high risk for glaucoma.

For some of these tests, beneficiaries in regular Medicare pay nothing; for other tests, Part B's 20 percent copayment applies. For more information from Medicare.gov about what preventive services are covered, click here .