Regular health checks can identify any early signs of health issues. Problems that are found early can be treated more effectively. Factors such as age, health, family history and lifestyle choices can determine how often check-ups are required.
Why are regular health checks important?
Even if you feel healthy it’s still a good idea to visit your doctor regularly, say every six months. Regular visits allow your GP to:
• Check for current or emerging medical problems
• Assess your risk of future medical issues
• Encourage you to maintain a healthy lifestyle
• Keep vaccinations and medicines up to date
If you’ve gone to the doctor because you have a cold, for example, many routine checks may be done while you’re there. Temperature and blood pressure checks are common ones.
Regular health checks for adults
Early warning signs of disease or illness can be identified through regular health checks. Heart disease, diabetes and some cancers can often be picked up in their early stages and treatment started quickly.
Some of the regular checks your Doctor will consider -
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Eye Health (See your optometrist)
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Cardiovascular Health
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Bowel Health
- Blood Sugar Levels
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Hearing
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Dental Health (See your Dentist)
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Blood Pressure
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Kidney Health
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Cholesterol
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Triglyceride (Thyroid Check)
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Bone Density
Health checks that can be done at home
Diet - General health and well-being can be improved and maintained with a healthy diet. Two serves of fruit and five serves of vegetables is the daily recommendation.
Skin checks – Unusual spots, moles and freckles need to be checked regularly. Follow up with your doctor if you notice a change. People who do outdoor work or sport need a yearly examination by their doctor.
Weight – Longer-term diseases such as diabetes and arthritis can be prevented by maintaining a healthy weight range.
Physical activity – For mental health, heart and bones and to prevent many diseases, regular physical activity is highly recommended. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate physical activity each day, which could include a walk to the shops or the park, a gentle swim at the local pool or a game of social tennis.
Alcohol – Two alcohol-free days per week and keeping to 10 drinks or less a week and no more than 4 in one day will lead to better long-term health and well-being.
Dental care – Regularly cleaning your teeth, eating and drinking low sugar foods and drinks, and having regular dental check-ups can all reduce the risks of tooth decay, gum disease and tooth loss.
Smoking – Not smoking can help reduce the risk of many diseases such as heart disease, stroke, lung disease and thin bones.
See also our articles on Men's Health Checks and Women's Health Checks.
Contact your regular family doctor or GP for a check-up today!
