Scheduling an annual health checkup is important to help identify any early signs of health issues, and for maintaining your current health. Finding these issues early makes treatment easier and more effective. It is always a good idea to schedule a health checkup even if you are feeling healthy.
Why Should You Get A Check Up?
The purpose of getting a health checkup is to identify for any current or emergent medical problems. A doctor can detect future health risks and advise you on how to maintain and live a healthy, or an even healthier lifestyle! It is vital to assess your lifestyle and health to see what improvements can and should be made.
Questions To Be Prepared For
Before commencing any tests, your doctor will ask you about your medical history, particularly your family history and disposition to any disease. Your doctor will also ask about your lifestyle – including your diet, weight, exercise routines, whether you smoke or drink alcohol, and how often (if you do at all).
Depending on your health condition and potential risks, the doctor may recommend various tests. Here are some common checks and tests that are typically performed.
Health Checks
1. Heart Disease
Heart checkups for heart disease typically include checking for:
Blood pressure: If you’re under 40 and have no family history of high blood pressure, your doctor may recommend checking your blood pressure every alternate checkup. If you’re over 40, or there is family history, or even if your pressure is slightly on the high side, your doctor may run additional tests in addition to checking your blood pressure every annual checkup.
Blood tests: These tests are specifically performed to check your cholesterol levels, and blood triglycerides. High levels may indicate an increased risk of heart disease.
Electrocardiogram (ECG): This is a non-invasive and painless medical test that detects heart abnormalities by measuring the electrical activity generated by the heart.
Obesity Tests: Being overweight poses a significant risk factor for many health conditions, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. As part of this test, your doctor will likely check your body mass index (BMI) and waist measurements.
2. Diabetes
Tests for diabetes include a fasting blood sugar level test that measures the amount of glucose in the blood after fasting (not eating for an amount of time).
Risk factors for Type 2 diabetes include: a family history of diabetes, elevated blood glucose levels, being over the age of 45, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, inactive lifestyle, having a history of heart diseases, as well as a range of other factors.
3. Bowel Cancer
A faecal occult blood test (FOBT) is usually conducted to detect bowel cancer. This test uses chemicals to check a bowel motion sample for blood, which is the most common sign of cancer in the bowel.
People at a high risk of bowel cancer may require further tests such as a colonoscopy. For this test, the doctor typically inserts a slender instrument called a colonoscope through the anus to visually check the rectum and large bowel for any abnormalities. This is usually done for people over 50, or if a patient has a family history of bowel cancer.
4. Eye Conditions
Eyesight usually deteriorates as one ages. It is recommended for people older than 65 years to have an annual eye examination. This may be more frequent if a patient is found to have certain risk factors that include a family history of eye disease and certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
People who wear prescription glasses or contact lenses are advised also to have their eyes checked and tested on an annual basis.
If you want to get a health checkup, you can always speak to your GP about it at your next appointment. At Coolaroo Clinic, our team of medical professionals are always happy to answer any questions you may have. Book an appointment with one of our doctors today.