The aim of the health check is to help find, prevent or lessen the effect of the disease. Health checks can provide information to health care professionals of a person’s lifestyle, medical history and family history to find out if there is any possible risk to the health. Health checks can also identify areas where you can improve and make a better lifestyle. These preventive checkups can help a person understand their health needs, values and concerns.
Who needs preventive tests?
People who are in the age group between 35-65 years are most commonly affected by lifestyle diseases.
What are some of the health screenings to consider?
At 20-30 years
- Blood pressure check-up
- Cholesterol and glucose levels
- BMI, waist and hip measurements
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) screenings
- Pap Smear every two years (Women)
- Dental check and cleaning
- Skin cancer checks
- Testes self-checks
- Breast self-checks
At 40 years
- Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment
- Cardiovascular Risk Assessment
- Mammogram (women)
- Eye checks for glaucoma
At 50-60 years
- Osteoporosis Risk Assessment
- Bowel cancer screening (also called FOBT – faecal occult blood test)
- Visual acuity and hearing impairment tests
Preparation before preventive tests
Before you undergo preventive tests make sure you note the following:
- Brace yourself because for several tests you should have an empty stomach. Make sure you take some snacks with you and consume immediately after the tests as screening takes a lot of time especially if the queue is big.
- Wear loose clothing
- Avoid wearing any metal accessories or objects
- Inform your doctor if you have a pacemaker in your body
- Always tell the truth during the medical checkup