We all make that trip to the GPs office when we’re feeling a bit under the weather, but for many of us that is the only time we’ll ever go and see a doctor. However, it’s important to make sure we’re getting regular check ups if you want to remain fit and healthy. Checks on our health can alert us to any potential issues and also catch conditions before they become untreatable. Make it your priority to get these 5 health checks done on a regular basis and you’ll be doing yourself and your family a huge favour.
1. Male and Female Screening
Both men and women should be getting regular screening for potential health problems; however, so many people just ‘forget’. These screening tests are vital if you want to catch certain illnesses before they progress, so make sure you’ve added the dates to your diary. Women should attend a pap test every 2 years, annual breast cancer checks (especially if there is a history of cancer in the family) and regular STI screenings when sexually active. Men should see their doctor on a yearly basis after the age of 50, for prostate screenings, bowel cancer tests every two years and an STI screening every year between the ages of 16 and 29.
2. Diabetes
Diabetes is becoming a more regular occurrence in the Western World, which is why regular health checkups are so important. You are at a higher risk of diabetes if you are overweight, have a history of this illness in the family or are over the age of 45. The test for diabetes is quick and painless, with results often available immediately. Don’t miss out on a 5 minute test and sacrifice your health for years to come.
3. Dental Check Up
Every member of the family should be getting their teeth checked on a regular basis, to prevent things such as gum disease and tooth decay. Ideally, you should be visiting the dentist at least once a year, however, those with recurring dental problems will want to go more frequently. If you don’t visit the dentist as often as you should then don’t expect your children to want to go either! Lead by example and make sure you see the dentist as often as possible.
4. Hearing Check Up
As we get older it is quite common for our hearing to deteriorate and it is, therefore, important that we have regular check ups in the form of hearing exams. So many of us don’t get our hearing tested until we start noticing problems and this can lead to further problems. You may want to consider audio metric testing with an audiologist or specialist doctor. What is audio metric testing? This clever hearing test can check for issues such as tinnitus and is completely painless, so it’s worth getting done.
5. Blood Pressure and Cholesterol
By getting your blood pressure and cholesterol checked, you can find out if there’s the potential for health problems in the future. Blood tests and pressure check ups can alert doctors to any underlying medical issue which may not have any other symptoms. You should schedule a check up at least once a year; more often if you have a family history of hypertension or high cholesterol levels.
These 5 health checks really should be carried out on a regular basis – no excuses! By being screened and tested often, you’ll feel far more confident about your health and also learn tricks on how to prevent some of the most common illnesses and diseases.