We live in a world of endless working over something, due dates and numerous obligations and it is no wonder that health is over the benchmark, until it becomes the problem that requires immediate solution. but what is a clever means of keeping oneself in order?
This is where the idea of a normal health check-up would not be a mere formality. It is an active, in-command decision to take care of you.
Now, shall we get into it and uncover what is regular health checkup all about, why it is actually important, what it entails and then reasons why you should always consider regular health check up, irrespective of age or condition.
What Is Regular Health Check Up?
A normal medical examination or regular health check up is a comprehensive medical examination with a set pattern that is commenced without any onset of medical conditions, as a preventive measure. A check-up is preventive as opposed to a visit to a doctor when you are already sick and it should aim at:
- Diagnose silent diseases
- Monitor physical and emotional indicators of health
- Offer immediate treatment and health coaching
- Provide assurance of your good health and well-being
It normally consists of a combination of physical tests, lab tests, screenings and meeting with a doctor who is capable of reviewing your lifestyle, risks and medical history.
Consider it your annual body health check-up just like you service your car even when it has not broken down, the body needs it as well.
Why Are Regular Check-Ups So Important?
The importance of visits to doctor when we are doubtful could be easily overlooked. However, the uncomfortable truth is, there are cases of serious life-threatening illnesses with the early onset of them being so discreet. These stresses also accumulate gradually, and sometimes there are no visible symptoms, until one day, something gives.
Why is it so important that we go to check ups even though we think that we are in perfect health? Let us find out.
a) Your Life Can Be Saved By Early Detection
Most of the serious illnesses such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and some types of cancer remain mute in the onset phase. Health check-ups on a regular basis enable your physician to have an eye on the irregularities earlier than they take place.
And early detection of the problems usually leads to less invasive and very effective treatment which costs a lot less. It might actually make or break a person and it can be the difference between completely overcoming and being able to live the rest of their life with a struggle.
b) Prevention Is Better Than The Cure
It is not only that medical emergencies are physically stressing but also financially devastating. It is much more expensive than the annual check-up which comprises the cost of hospitalization, medicines and the expenditure on long- Running treatment.
Every year, spending a few hours and a comparatively low amount of money on your health may help you to save hospital visits, surgeries, or even long-life disabilities.
c) Allows You To Know And Monitor Your Health
We all make a guess as to how we are doing according to how we feel. So how can you tell, when your cholesterol level is sneaking up? Or have you got your liver worked as they say? Or when your blood pressure is being affected by stress?
Periodical evaluation enables you to have an overview of what is happening to your body. As time goes on, it creates a personal health record to allow your doctor to devise patterns, risk and gains.
What Is Involved In A Regular Health Check-Up?
a) Review Of Medical History
Conversation with practitioner is always the best beginning of a check-up. He/she will inquire about the family health history, your own lifestyle (such as sleep, food, alcohol, tobacco use), any signs you may have experienced recently, psychiatric illness and all the medication that you are currently on. This assists in establishing any genetic or way of life risk.
b) Physical Examination
Basic physical examination will be carried out by the doctor by verifying:
- Blood pressure
- Rhythm and heart rate
- Breath/lungs noise
- Height and weight (to find the BMI)
- Skin, eyes, reflexes, and abdomen
These are crude checks that would help in identifying red flags that are not always evident.
c) Blood Tests, Urine Tests
- These testings go beyond the surface to look at what is going on:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) – To be used when anemia or infections are to be detected
- Blood Sugar (Fasting & Post-meal) – Diabetes screening Blood sugar
- Lipid Profile -To quantify the levels of cholesterol and triglyceride in many ways, this test is used to calculate.
- Liver & Kidney Function Tests – To determine the functioning of organs
- Thyroid Function -To assess the metabolism Thyroid Functions are used to assess the metabolism
- Urinalysis -To examine the infection or kidney problem
d) Imaging And Screening Test
Your doctor may additionally suggest some tests like:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) to the heart condition
- X-Ray of the chest in order to find any abnormality in the lungs
- Abdomen or pelvic ultrasound
- Women should have mammogram
- Men prostate examination or PSA examination
- The bone density test is used to check the seniors
You do not always need to take such tests, but the doctor will still individualize it with regard to your profile.
What Should The Frequency Of Check-Up Be?
It does not have a universal answer, but here is a general rule:
a) Ages 20–30
Combining the younger age group in the twenties and being generally healthy, once every 2-3 years is sufficient in form of a check-up. Lifestyle counseling and planning early screening often focus on it.
b) Ages 30–50
At this point, the checks must increase in frequency to once a year or every other year. This is whereby the lifestyle diseases start creeping in and preventive action must come in early.
c) 50 And Over
Health check-up is also advised to be done every year after age 50. These are all risks associated with life threatening conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke and cancer and the importance of regular screening as one ages can be very critical.
Naturally, you might see the doctor as often in case you have a family history of illness or a chronic condition and your doctor might ask to come to the office with higher frequency.
What Are The Differences between Regular Check-Ups Of Women And Men?
Although most of the elements of check-ups remain similar to all people, some screenings are gender-related.
For Women:
- Pap smear and HPV test (starting at the age of 21)
- Mammography (after at least 40 years of age) and breast exam
- Post menopausal bone density screening
For Men:
- Prostate test or blood check PSA (usually after the age of 50)
- Testicular exam
- Risk screening ECG in the presence of risk factors
This is not a mere formality in the medical field, it is a useful tool to detect a disease early enough.
Conclusion
So, what is routine health check up? It’s not just a tick box exercise, a report or just a routine. It’s a vow to oneself. A chance to stop, listen to your body, and own your well being.
We are now sure you are well aware on what is regular health checkup, how often should it be done according to ages and what checkups are usually done! We insist in taking care of our cellphone, our car and our laptop before our own bodies, perhaps is a good moment to reconsider our priorities.
