It’s better to prevent an illness than to have to treat it, so empower yourself by having regular check-ups with a healthcare professional.
Benefits?
- Discover potentially life-threatening issues early before they cause problems
- Early treatment increases the chances of a good outcome
- Monitoring existing health issues lowers the risk of symptoms getting worse
- Get up-to-date vaccinations and screening tests
- Limit extra costs from treating serious conditions that are NOT caught early
- Update/monitor prescriptions. If you’re on medication it needs to be monitored
- Reduce the stress of the unknown if you are worried about something or have a family history of medical conditions.
How often?
Routine physical exams are recommended once a year if you’re over the age of 50, and once every 3 years if you’re younger than 50 and in good health. However, if you have ongoing health issues, you should see your healthcare professional more often, no matter your age. For example, if you’re being treated for HIV/Aids or diabetes, even if you are feeling well, you should check in with your doctor and keep taking your recommended treatment medication.
What’s included in a check-up?
During your annual check-up, your doctor will review your past health history, evaluate your current health, prescribe any required medication and even schedule appropriate screening tests should they be needed.
Physical examinations can include a number of different tests and screenings, of the eyes, ears, nose and throat, extremities, heart, lungs, abdomen, lymph nodes and skin. Also, depending on the initial results and or your existing health status, the examination may include the likes of: Your medication list and allergies
- Your vaccination and screening test history
- Blood pressure/vital signs
- Body mass index (Weight)
- Cholesterol
- HIV counselling and screening
- Hepatitis C for those at risk
- Type 2 diabetes for those with risk factors/family history
- Blood test for TB
- Tobacco, drugs, and alcohol misuse
- Depression markers
If you are wanting to apply for a travel visa, depending on the country you intend to visit, additional tests may include for example:
- Chest X-rays for TB
- Blood tests for HIV and Syphilis
- Vaccinations such as Coronavirus, yellow fever or Malaria.
It is vital that when travelling you check on the website of the destination and with your travel agent for the most up to date information in this regard.
Here are a few examples of age-specific tests that are gender-specific:
Specific Tests for Men your doctor may recommend |
Ages |
Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening |
65-75 with a smoking history |
Prostate exam |
45/50 onwards |
Cholesterol screening |
35 onwards |
Specific Tests for Women your doctor may recommend |
Ages |
Mammogram for cancer |
40-74 |
Pap smear for cervical cancer |
21-65 |
Cholesterol |
45 onwards |
Colorectal cancer |
50 onwards |
Osteoporosis screening |
65 onwards |
Take charge of your health! Remember also to schedule regular check-ups with your dentist/oral hygienist (annual) and optometrist (every two years).
A health professional is available at LifeAssist to assist and support you should you require further assistance in this regard.