Why Regular Health Checks Are Important?
We frequently disregard our health and dismiss minor problems as unimportant health conditions due to our hectic schedules and deadlines. Diseases can occasionally exist without symptoms, and a later diagnosis may make treatment impossible. Regular checkups can aid in the early detection of diseases and maximize our chances of receiving treatment to prevent any chronic or deadly health conditions. Even if you have no known health complications or issues, getting a regular health check with your doctor is still important to keep your health in good condition for a lifetime.
What is a health check?
A health check identifies any health issues at an early stage. Early problem detection increases the likelihood of successful treatment and cure.
Your health, family history, age, and lifestyle choices are just a few variables that affect how frequently you need checkups. Therefore, it's important to note any change or unusual condition so that you can discuss with your doctor to take necessary precautions after diagnosing the problem.
Reason Why You Should Schedule Regular Health Checks
People used only to visit their doctor when they were seriously ill or near death a generation ago. Preventative healthcare is becoming more and more widespread as people get more knowledge and control over their health. People are proactively looking for medical guidance on leading healthy lifestyles. They hope to reduce their risk of developing several ailments or diseases by keeping a healthy diet, weight, and physical exercise.
To assist patients in keeping on top of their health, doctors also urge patients to have routine checkups. They emphasize the value of prevention to lower the number of individuals who need to undergo surgery or medical treatment.
Regular checkups can assist in identifying any health problems before they become serious. Regular visits to the doctor allow them to catch diseases or disorders early. You have the best chance of receiving the proper care immediately and avoiding complications if you are diagnosed early. You can live a longer, healthier life by receiving the appropriate health services, screenings, and treatment.
Benefits of Regular Health Checks
1. Reduce your continuous risk of getting sick.
Most people know the symptoms of common diseases such as colds or fevers. While these recurrent may also indicate some underlying health issues, which can get worse without going for a checkup.
2. Early detection of potentially life-threatening conditions or diseases
These full-body checkups examine you from head to toe. This is done to catch any underlying disease and so that you can be prescribed the right treatment on time.
3. Increase chances for better treatment and cure
Some life-threatening or chronic diseases can gradually develop in the body without us knowing. With early detection, a person will have a higher chance of getting the right treatment promptly.
4. Limit complications risk by close or conditions monitoring of diseases or conditions
Blood tests must be carried out every few months to eradicate the threat of several potential diseases. If any disease is detected, your physicians can closely monitor you for any side effects or complications.
5. Increase lifespan and improve health
A good physician will always encourage a patient to be more productive and take steps to stay healthy. This will include recommendations on improving good habits and overall health by taking monthly checkups.
6. Avoiding costly medical services
Going for Full Body checkups helps prevent and avoid diseases. This reduces the chance of you getting sick, reducing your medical costs.
7. Establish a good relationship with your physician
With regular physical exams and screenings, a person tends to develop a relationship with their doctor. This way, it will not be difficult for them to have open and honest conversations about their medical history.
8. Get updated information on new medical procedures and technologies.
The only method to stay updated about what is happening in your life is by being more aware of your health conditions. Regular health checkups will keep you informed and introduce you to new methods and technologies.
9. Create a medical history that your doctors can use in the future
A health record is very handy because your doctor might not need to diagnose and treat you as the history will already be at your fingertips due to regular checkups.
10. Reduce the cost of overall health and hospitalization
Medical costs can skyrocket when one is dealing with a condition that has been detected at a serious stage. So, it is better to invest in regular medical checkups to manage diseases at their early stages.
List of Few Health Checks & Tests You Shouldn't Miss
- Regular Physical Examination
Some people visit their doctor for a physical once a year to ensure everything is fine. Whether you should visit that frequently is up to you. In the end, it all depends on the following:
- Age
- General wellbeing
- Risk factors for specific issues
Your doctor will inquire about your general health and way of living. They'll probably take your weight and vital signs and listen to your heart and lungs.
- Height & Weight
Whether you visit the doctor for a routine checkup or another examination, they will likely take your height and weight. They require it to calculate your BMI (body mass index). Maintaining a healthy BMI lowers your risk of developing conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and several types of cancer. A formula based on height and weight determines your BMI. Your doctor will recommend how to get you there if you are not within the healthy range.
- Blood Pressure
It gauges the force of your blood pushing against your arteries. Your chances of developing heart disease and stroke increase if it is too high. Blood pressure should not exceed 120 over 80. As it is known among medical professionals, hypertension is characterized as 130/80 or greater. Beginning at age 18, you should get your blood pressure monitored at least every two years. You might have to take it more frequently if it's high. Find out from your doctor how frequently you need to take yours.
- Cholesterol
This kind of fat is present in your blood. Heart disease and stroke can be brought on by high cholesterol. If you are older than 20, you should have your cholesterol examined every four to six years. If you are a male, older adult, overweight, or have any of the following conditions, your doctor may advise you to examine it more frequently.
- Having diabetes or a family history of heart disease
- A history of high cholesterol, personally
Take home blood testing services from medical hubs like Optimized Body & Mind that offer timely results and access to online GP consultations to save time.
- Tests for Colorectal Cancer
By looking for blood or tissue growths known as polyps in the colon or rectum, tests look for cancer there. If your chance of developing cancer is low, you should begin getting these tests when you are 45.
Fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) ought to be performed annually. Every five years, you should get a sigmoidoscopy, which allows your doctor to examine a portion of your colon. Every 3 to 10 years, depending on what is discovered during your examination, you should have a colonoscopy where the doctor examines your whole colon.
- Test for Blood Sugar
Checking for diabetes or prediabetes can be done in this way. It's a quick test that gauges your blood's glucose (also known as sugar) content. Once you are 45, you should start receiving regular screenings. Having it done sooner might be advised by your doctor if you:
- Have weight problem
- Have high blood pressure or high cholesterol
- Have experienced pregnancy diabetes
- Skin Exam
It's wise to watch for any changes in moles, freckles, and other skin discolorations. According to experts, you should perform a monthly skin self-exam. Skin malignancies are virtually usually treatable when detected early and treated. It is wise to have your skin examined by a doctor regularly if you have had skin cancer or someone in your family has had it.
- Bone Density
Your bones weaken and are thin as you get older. Osteoporosis, which causes very brittle and easily shattered bones, can develop due to time. You should check your bone density if you're a woman 65 years or older or a male 70 years or older. There are therapies available if your doctor determines that your bones are deteriorating.
If any of the following apply, your doctor may advise having this test sooner:
- Broken a bone previously
- A long history of steroid use
- Suffer from rheumatoid arthritis
- Less than 127 pounds in weight
- Have a parent who suffered a small injury and shattered their hip
- Mammogram
This X-ray examination searches for changes in the breast. Doctors will let you know how frequently you need this test and when you should start. Once you turn 40, discuss it with your doctor. You can be advised to wait until you're 50, or you might be required to get your first one immediately. Once you begin, some professionals advise getting one every year. Some people suggest every two years. Consult your doctor to determine what is best for you.
- Cervical Cancer Screening
For this, there are a few tests. A Pap test looks for alterations in your cervix that might develop into cancer. Your vagina will be widened by your doctor using a device known as a speculum, and some cells will be removed for examination.
The sample will be used to screen for HPV. It searches for a virus that can bring about the cellular alterations that can result in cervical cancer.
- Test for Prostate
The frequency of this test, which looks for symptoms of cancer in the prostate gland, is debatable among experts. Around age 50, most men want to discuss it with their doctor. The test is typically a PSA test, which is a blood test. A rectal exam might be performed instead. What is best for you will be explained to you by your doctor.
- Dental Examination
It is hygienic to brush and floss every day and should not be skipped for better oral health. However, it's a good idea to visit the dentist regularly as well so they can check for cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. You might have to travel once or twice a year. It relies on your dental health and what you must do to maintain a healthy mouth and smile in terms of appearance and comfort.
Bottom Line
Hence, regular health checkups prolong your lifespan, enabling you to live a healthy life. Take control of your health and choose private medical hubs for time-effective medical services, as it may take months to get an appointment at NHS. You can't risk your life by waiting for the appointment. Prompt examination and treatment will do you good. A general health test once every six months will give you comprehensive reports on your overall health to help you track and maintain your health. Moreover, it encourages you to maintain good health irrespective of age. So, make these small investments to live a happy and healthy life.