Your aviation medical exam is a head-to-toe check of general health. You'll need an additional check-up every two years (three if you're under 40) to renew your "medical." It's required equipment.

There are few limitations to flying. You don't need perfect vision, as long as it's correctable to near 20/20. You can even get a waiver from the FAA for special circumstances, such as deafness or color vision deficiency. The only things that would keep you from flying are serious conditions - such as a history of heart disease, uncontrolled diabetes, or epilepsy.

The FAA website is a great source for information on medical certification and provides a search of aviation medical doctors. He or she will answer your specific questions about health and flying.