Most of us only go to the doctor when we are sick. After all, why would you visit the doctor if you were feeling fine? Although doctors can treat and remedy illness, they can also help people to identify early signs of health problems. With our toxic and stressful modern lifestyles, preventative healthcare is becoming increasingly important.
Why are Regular Health Checks Important?
Regular health checks can help you to prevent severe health issues. During the health check, your doctor will assess your personal and family medical history, your lifestyle, and other significant factors to determine the risks to your health. For example, if you have a family history of heart disease, your doctor may advise you to check your cholesterol more often.
By managing your lifestyle risk factors, you can mitigate the potential of chronic medical conditions and save yourself the pain and costs of having to seek surgery or treatment later. Early detection of a medical condition during a routine check-up will typically lower your treatment costs as minor issues are easier to treat than severe illnesses.
Participating in regular health checks can not only keep you healthier and increase your natural lifespan but reduce the risk of complications when you receive treatment for other illnesses as well. For instance, blood pressure can affect certain medication choices and dental issues can affect your surgery options. With a clearer picture of your health, you and your doctor can make more educated decisions.
Routine health checks are usually incorporated into your normal medical schedule. Your doctor may ask you to participate in a check-up when you visit for a common condition like a cold. Aside from nipping problems in the bud, you can use a regular health check to examine your lifestyle and ensure that you are in the best possible condition.
Cardiovascular
Most routine health checks will include screening for factors that contribute to heart disease. One of these factors is blood pressure. Individuals over the age of 40 and those with a family history of high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease should have their blood pressure checked at least once a year or as advised by their doctor.
Your doctor may perform a blood test to review your blood triglycerides and cholesterol levels as these can be indicators of cardiovascular disease risk. They may also check your obesity level by reviewing your body mass index (BMI) and measuring your waist. Furthermore, your doctor may order an electrocardiogram (ECG)—a non-invasive test that monitors the electrical activity generated by your heart.
Colorectal
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. People over the age of 40 with a family history of bowel issues should do a fecal occult blood test (FOBT) once every two years. The FOBT test uses chemicals to detect trace amounts of blood from a sample of your stool. Having blood in your stool is a possible sign of colorectal cancer.
For high-risk individuals, your doctor may recommend that you do a colonoscopy every five years. During a colonoscopy, the doctor gently inserts a thin, flexible camera through your anus in order to visually examine the entire length of your large bowel and rectum. This allows the doctor to quickly identify abnormalities or growths.
Other Cancers
Apart from colorectal cancer screening, your doctor may recommend that you perform other routine cancer checks. For women, breast cancer and cervical cancer screening should be part of your regular health checks. Mammograms are the most effective way of detecting breast cancer while cervical screening tests (CST) are the most accurate way to detect the human papillomavirus (HPV) infections that cause cervical cancer.
Dental
Dental issues like tooth decay can lead to severe illnesses and infections throughout the rest of your body. At a dental check up, your dental professional will screen your teeth carefully to locate any cavities. An x-ray may be taken to have a more thorough picture of any hidden cavities. Aside from cavities, the dentist will check for plaque and tartar deposits on your teeth that can cause oral diseases.
Your gums will be examined during a routine dental check. The dentist will use a special tool to measure the distance between your teeth and gums as recessed gums can be a sign of gum disease. The entire mouth including the tongue and throat will also be given a once-over. Sometimes, the dental professional will additionally examine your face, head, and neck for signs of abnormal swelling or redness.
Diabetes
If you have a family history of diabetes or significant risk factors, you may need to be tested annually for diabetes. Otherwise, you should have a routine check once every three years. The fasting blood sugar test for diabetes monitors the level of glucose in your blood after you have not eaten for a certain length of time. This test is usually performed in the morning before breakfast and will reveal any unusual blood sugar presentations.
As we get older, it becomes more important to keep an eye on our health. Routine health checks can help us to keep on track with our physical and mental health and empower us to make better lifestyle decisions. By checking in with our health regularly, we can stay happier and healthier for a longer time.