Article by:
Amelia Grant
There are some things you simply can't miss, like acid reflux, asthma, and recurrent UTIs.
However, hazardous health conditions like high blood pressure, prediabetes, high cholesterol, and sleep apnea that don't have evident symptoms can only be discovered through routine wellness examinations and age-appropriate screenings. They are frequently referred to as "silent killers" because of this.
A 20-year-old college student, for instance, might appear healthy on the surface but could benefit from specialized counseling or screening tests based on harmful behavior or genetic factors. Although a 40-year-old guy may be busy with work and family obligations, taking the time to examine preventive health measures may have long-term benefits for his health. Men's physicals offer a vital chance to improve their well-being both now and in the future. The same applies to women.
Annual physical exams are a preventative tool that can assist in identifying health issues and dangers before the onset of chronic illness. Here are 6 reasons to undergo a check-up at any age.
1. Anamnesis and Medical History
You have the opportunity to address any health-related problems or worries at this time. Your doctor will probably ask you questions about your eating habits, exercise routine, sexual health, and lifestyle choices like smoking and alcohol consumption. Additionally, the doctor will update your personal and family medical history and check your immunization status.
2. Cancer
Women who have a cervix should talk to their doctor about starting a cervical cancer screening program at age 21. Your chance of developing other cancers, including breast, prostate, and colon cancer, can be affected by a variety of particular circumstances, so it's crucial to discuss your screening plan with your doctor.
3. Cholesterol screening
Starting at 20 and older, with established risk factors for coronary heart disease, is the recommended age for cholesterol monitoring ( about 30 without risk factors). Adults with healthy cholesterol levels can go five years without needing another test. If lifestyle changes (including weight gain and diet) take place, repeat tests earlier than necessary. You could require more frequent examinations if you suffer from diabetes, heart disease, kidney issues, or other disorders.
4. Scan for bone density
Women should get baseline bone scans at 65. The age for men is 70. If you have risk factors like rheumatoid arthritis, smoking, or have used a corticosteroid for at least three months, you should talk to your doctor about getting one even earlier. You won't need to be screened again for 15 years if your bone density is normal. Depending on the severity, you should get rechecked every two to five years if you have osteopenia (poor bone density). If you have osteoporosis and are receiving treatment for it, you don't need to get rescreened more frequently than every five years because there is no evidence that more frequent monitoring is advantageous.
5. Review your medicines
In order to make sure that your treatment plan is effective, reviewing your medications is crucial. A review of over-the-counter medications is also available. It is the best method to be informed about potential drug adverse effects. Additional medications that would be beneficial for you may also be suggested by your doctor.
6. Establishing or preserving a healthy lifestyle
Your health care provider can assist you in your attempts to lead a healthy lifestyle, whether you already practice good nutrition and exercise habits or are considering starting. Specialists can also recommend tools that can support you in making other significant changes, such as giving up smoking. when doctors bring up these issues with patients, more people will reflect on them and are more inclined to take action.
The bottom line
It's critical to be proactive and confident in your health. Regular checkups are a fantastic method to do that. You can enhance your health and lower your risk of getting sick by obtaining regular checkups.