Experts constantly talk about the importance of regular medical check-ups for healthy lifestyle. Woman Editor, TEMITOPE DAVID-ADEGBOYE, writes on why they are necessary.
Most people appreciate the need to check and service their cars or bicycle. But they fail to see their body as a machine, and do not see reason to give it such attention.
Just like you fix an appointment with your mechanic to get your car serviced, booking an appointment with your doctor for a regular check-up to make sure everything is in good working order is as important. But the question being asked by many is, how do these health assessments help?
Experts say, as you age, because of the regular wear and tear that the body may have incurred, regular check-up is necessary, at least once a year.
A medical check-up, otherwise known as a comprehensive physical examination, is an important preventive and diagnostic tool. Primary care physicians recommend that patients, once a year, should go for a medical check to ensure their health is on track. This annual medical exam gives an individual the opportunity to closely monitor their health and take action to prevent disease and illness.
Many large corporations insist that employees have full medical examinations every year. This is to ensure that the staff are physically capable of performing their duties, minimising the spread of disease among employees and to comply with occupational health and safety standards.
By undergoing medical check, you stand to improve your quality of life and avoid a serious disease that you could be predisposed to or are already suffering from.
Components of annual medical check
Depending on your age and gender, the actual components of your annual physical exam will vary. Some common aspects included in a routine medical check-up are outlined here.
Health review: For most people, a physical exam will begin with an age-appropriate discussion of their overall health. This provides the doctor with an opportunity to discuss their medical history and any risk factors based on family history or pre-existing conditions.
Vital signs: This is one of the basic functions of an annual physical exam, but can help identify a number of potential health problems. Here, they check the blood pressure (BP), heart rate and temperature, and listen to the heart and lungs.
BMI: Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to adult men and women. Enter your weight and height using standard or metric measures.
BMI categories:
Underweight = <18.5
Normal weight = 18.5 to 24.9
Overweight = 25 to 29.9
Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater
Routine blood work: Blood tests are done to see if one is anaemic or to see if one has certain diseases such as liver disease. In addition, simple blood tests can check vitamin levels to see if one may have any deficiencies that can be quickly adjusted with diet or supplements. Depending on your age or risk factors, a cholesterol test may also be performed.
Skin check: A routine review of your skin – including moles, birthmarks or freckles – can help identify any area that may be cause for concern. When performed annually, this medical exam can significantly reduce the risk of developing skin cancer.
Additional tests: Depending on your age, gender or medical history, our providers may elect to order additional medical exams such as bone density screening, mammography, colon or prostate cancer screenings.
Benefits of a medical check-up
There are many benefits that come from getting a regular annual medical exam. Prevention and the early detection of potential health problems is the most significant benefit. Others include peace of mind and a more comprehensive health history that can help you make informed health decisions throughout your lifetime.
Getting a routine medical check is important for everyone, particularly those with chronic health problems, a complicated health history or a genetic predisposition to certain conditions. Regardless of your age, gender or medical history, it’s a great idea to get a routine physical exam once a year.
Peace of mind can be invaluable, but if you have any problems or suspect anything, don’t put off seeing your doctor. Generally, the earlier something is diagnosed or detected, the more likely it is that it can be treated quickly and successfully. Even if you think your symptoms are trivial, your doctor will be happy to offer you advice and give you reassurance about any lifestyle changes or treatment that may help you.