When was the last time you had a medical checkup? If it has been more than two years, then it's probably time to schedule an appointment with your doctor. There are many health checks that people need at one point or another in their life and waiting too long can put them at risk of severe illnesses. In this post, you will learn some of these essential health checks so you know what they are and when to get them.
Eye and Ear Conditions
Eyes and ears are two of humans' most important senses, but sometimes they can get overlooked. Unfortunately, problems with these two senses are often some of the easiest to solve when caught early on, so it's a good idea for everyone to make sure their eyes and ears are working correctly now and again.
Going for eye checkups is even more critical if you have a family history of eye conditions, so it might be worth asking your doctor about the best screening schedule for you. Hearing tests are also essential to help prevent hearing loss down the line, severely impacting one's quality of life in older age.
Cancer Screening
Cancer screening refers to testing to check for cancer in people who don’t have any symptoms. There are several types of tests that doctors use, depending on the type and stage of cancer.
Going for screening is a personal choice, and you need to weigh up the pros and cons.
The benefits of screening include an early diagnosis, which means that treatment may be more successful. For example, suppose you're diagnosed with bowel cancer in its very early stages when it hasn't spread to other parts of the body yet (stage one). In that case, your chance of recovery is much better than getting a diagnosis later when it has spread further.
You also need to think about whether tests like this will cause any harm or side effects for you and what might happen if they find something abnormal, but there is nothing wrong after all – false positives. It would help if you discussed these things with your doctor or nurse before deciding on a test. If possible, get someone else who knows you well – such as a family member or friend – to come along to the appointment with you.
Dental Checkups
Dental checkups are some of the most critical health checks out there. When you go to the dental office, make sure to ask about your oral hygiene and teeth strength, and any issues that may be present.
Dental problems are common and affect many people these days, which is why it's good to get an early detection rather than deal with severe consequences later in life.
If left untreated for too long, tooth decay can affect other parts of the body if bacteria from the mouth enter blood vessels or lymph nodes through cavities. This condition called “Leriche Syndrome” could lead to death, so don't take chances with your teeth.
Diabetes Check
A diabetes check refers to the medical test to check if a patient has diabetes or not. If you are diagnosed with the disease, it is essential that you follow all doctor's instructions closely and regularly monitor your glucose levels. This may lead to several other health complications like a heart attack or stroke without following the proper procedures. There are many types of tests for diabetes which include fasting blood sugar tests, random plasma, or blood sugar level testing.
Bone and Muscle Health Check
Healthy bones are vital to life and can result in significant problems if they become weak or brittle, making them more susceptible to fracturing. A specialist may perform a bone density test using an ultrasound machine that sends sound waves through part of your body – usually your heel or forearm – which then bounces back into the machine for analysis. The results will indicate whether you have healthy bones at either end of the spectrum: osteoporosis (weak bones) or osteosclerosis/hyperosteogenisis (thickening of bones).
Cholesterol Tests
It is either a blood test or an online quiz, but it's essential to make sure your numbers are in the healthy range. The doctor can check this each year with a simple blood sample. Over time, if you have high cholesterol, this could lead to heart disease and even death, so don't ignore these signs. A diet that reduces fat intake and regular exercise are both ways of bringing down those harmful LDL levels before they become problematic.
Skin Checks
Skin checks are vital for spotting skin cancer early. Look out for symptoms like new moles, changes to existing moles, and looking out for signs of melanoma (the most dangerous type).
Skin checks are easy enough to do yourself, but if you aren't sure what's normal or not, it is best to visit a doctor who will be able to monitor your mole growths over time. If any change in shape, size, or color occurs, then make an appointment with the GP as soon as possible.
Blood Pressure Checks
Many people usually avoid getting their blood pressure checked because it requires that you go to the doctors and have them take your pressure which can be time-consuming and sometimes painful with some medical. However, this test is essential as high blood pressure could lead to heart disease, kidney problems, or stroke if not addressed- so make sure you get yours done!
Conclusion
In conclusion, everyone should keep track of their health. Ensure you do all the necessary checkups and get your general health checked out at least once every year to ensure that nothing is wrong with you, so always remember these essential checks!
