Routine Body Check-Ups Are a Must-Do, But How Often?
Sailing through life is not just a phrase; in reality, it depicts how we manage to navigate through the sea of life, sometimes the sea is calm, and sometimes we brave harsh storms, or fight the strong water currents. At times, the sea beneath may have some unseen dangers so it is imperative to be prepared to fight these dangers and keep them at bay!
Routine health check-ups are like the navigator by your side, they adjust the course of life and ensure you have a healthy voyage.
So, you may wonder how many times one needs to get a preventive health check-up done. There is no correct answer for that, as one size does not fit everyone, the frequency of the health check-ups also depends on several factors. Age, family history, your personal medical history, and overall health are the determining factors for going in for a regular full body check-up.
It is well known that full body check-ups have multiple benefits and advantages.
Early Detection of Diseases
Many diseases tend to remain asymptomatic in the early stages like cancer, hypertension, and diabetes. Routine body check-ups help in identifying these diseases early on and help in nipping them in the bud before they progress into full blown disorders.
Existing conditions can be monitored by doing routine check-ups. This helps the doctor to understand the progress of the disease and titrate the medications and dosages accordingly. With this, the symptoms can be managed and the complications can be averted.
Preventive health check-ups also provide a golden opportunity to revisit the lifestyle choices we make and take our health seriously. The check-ups can help you curb some habits like smoking and drinking in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle. You can make better informed decisions and make choices to suit your unique self.
Although going in for routine check-ups is recommended the frequency can be anything from once in a quarter to maybe once in six months. The broad roadmap can be made of several factors.
Age
Age plays a crucial role in deciding the check-up frequency.
While infants need regular check-ups to maintain their vaccination schedule, children can have the preventive health check-ups once a year. These check-ups are helpful to ensure that the growth milestones are reached and one can safely rule out any developmental concerns.
If you are in the category of young adults, or adults (18-40) years, a check-up once in two years should suffice. This is only true when you are in good health and you do not have risk factors associated. You should never ignore your body signals, if you feel something is awry, consult your doctor and book your routine tests soon. Women in this age group need more regular check-ups than men for pap smears and breast examinations (Mammograms).
For ages more than 40, but less than 60 (40-60) years, once a year preventive health check-up is recommended. At this age, the risk for chronic diseases increases and hence regular screening for blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, and cancer should be done. Also, hormone testing for both women and men is recommended.
If you are above 60 years of age, full body check-ups are your best friend. You go for the check-up when your doctor tells you! These check-ups play a crucial role in maintaining the current health conditions and help screen for any other complications especially related to osteoporosis or cognitive decline, which is essentially related to old age. A bone density test is highly recommended for both men and women.
Health Status
Every individual has a unique set of genes and hence every individual will have a different health condition. That means two individuals even though of the same age may have different health issues and overall health.
Individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or hypertension require frequent health check-ups. The doctors can recommend a check-up once every three or six months. This is to monitor and manage the disease carefully and it also helps decide the specific route of treatment. It helps the doctor assess the health condition and titrate the medicines for better control.
Individuals with a sedentary lifestyle, or a family medical history of certain diseases may also need regular check-ups. If you are obese, smoke a lot, and drink too; the doctor may recommend a check-up once in six months.
You should never ignore those body signals. The body has ways to tell you something is not right. If you notice changes in your body weight, feel a loss of appetite, or if you feel extra thirsty, or experience fatigue it is best to consult your doctor and book those full body check-ups. It is always smart to be proactive and take the necessary steps.
To make the most of your routine body check-ups, note down any questions you may have and ask them before you go for the check-ups. Be honest and share all your health problems with your doctor. Once the test results are out, make sure to discuss them with your doctor and understand the reports. Make sure to keep up with any follow-up test routines as suggested by the doctor.
Overcome the Barriers
Most people get anxious at the thought of undergoing body check-ups. Some common fears associated can be the cost, fear of the unknown, or the inconvenience.
It is only human to have these fears, but health check-ups are just the opposite, they help detect a problem before it becomes severe thus helping in getting timely treatment, that prevents more severe and costly treatments down the line. Body check-ups also help in saving up on costly hospitalization in chronic health conditions, by catching them early. Early detection always equals to less health expenses.
Remember, preventive health check-ups are your best defence against health issues.
With a plethora of options available, you can save money by booking the tests beforehand or you can even check with your insurance provider. Most plans cover routine body check-ups.
Don’t wait for a health scare to get that wake-up call. Schedule those preventive health check-ups. It is not only empowering but also provides the much-needed peace of mind. You are sure to thank yourself later.
Don’t be anchored down by health issues, be prepared and geared up to navigate the challenges of health in your life! Schedule your routine check-ups. Be the captain of your own life and sail with confidence!
Also Read:
How Preventive Health Check-Ups Can Save You from Large Healthcare Expenses?
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