Contents
I. Introduction
Frequent full body checkups can detect any early signs of health problems. Early problem detection increases your chances of receiving a successful course of therapy. The frequency and kind of checkups you require depend on a number of factors, including your age, health, family history, and lifestyle choices.
Regular checkups are intended to look for any new or developing health issues, evaluate your risk for future health problems, and encourage you to lead a healthy lifestyle. A health checkup is an opportunity to review your lifestyle and identify areas for improvement. You may talk to a healthcare provider about this.
II. Routine Physical Exams
General Health Assessment Your physician will inquire about your well-being, way of life, and any family medical history. Your vitals including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, body temperature will be measured. Your BMI (Body Mass index) will be calculated using your height and weight.
Preventive Screenings include
1. Blood Tests include CBP, fasting blood sugar, HbA1c, lipid profile, liver and kidney function tests, thyroid panel, uric acid, hepatitis B test to detect conditions like diabetes, lipid disorders, thyroid disorders, infections, etc.
2. Urinalysis – Urinalysis is the testing of urine to check composition and appearance of urine. Numerous conditions including diabetes, renal disease, and urinary tract infections can be detected using urine tests.
3. Other routine tests include chest X-ray, US of abdomen, ECG.
III. Age-Specific Health Checkups
Depending on your age and gender, your healthcare provider may recommend additional screenings such as below,
1. Colorectal cancer screening: Recommended age for colorectal cancer screening is after turning age 45. These screenings include Stool FIT test, Cologuard test, colonoscopy.
2.Breast cancer screening:Recommended after age 40 which includes mammogram and US breast.
3.Cervical cancer screening: Include Pap smear.
4.Prostate cancer screening: Include PSA test recommended after age 40.
5.Bone density screening: Include DEXA scan to assess bone density changes.
6. Other health checkups for older people include cognitive function assessments, fall risk evaluations, hearing and vision screenings.
Childhood Checkups include Growth and developmental milestones, routine vaccinations and their schedules, Vision and hearing screenings.
IV. Specialized Health Checkups
1. Cardiovascular Check Ups include EKG/ECG, Stress tests and echocardiograms
2. Diabetes Management include HbA1c testing and Regular foot and eye exams
3. Gynecological and Urological Check Ups include Pap smears and HPV testing, STD screening.
V. Workplace and Travel Health Checkups
1. Workplace Physicals include Fitness for duty evaluations and Occupational health screenings.
2. Travel Health Check Ups include Vaccination requirements based on destination and Health precautions and travel advisories.
VI. Diagnostic and Follow-Up Health Checkups
1. Diagnostic Tests are Imaging tests (e.g., X-rays, MRIs, CT scans) and Biopsy procedures.
2. Follow-Up Appointments are monitoring chronic conditions and post-treatment and post-surgical evaluations.
VII. Recommendations for a Full Body Checkup
The frequency of full body examinations is determined by age and personal health concerns. Adults under 30 who don’t have any serious health issues may choose to get checked out every 2-3 years. However, in order to constantly monitor their health status and identify any possible problems early, people over 30 or those with pre-existing medical illnesses should schedule annual checkups. In addition, depending on a person’s unique health history and risk factors, medical specialists could advise more frequent checkups. Having regular conversations with a healthcare professional might assist in figuring out the best interval for complete body examinations.
VIII. Conclusion
Regular health checkups are important for everyone.Your physician will advise you on the frequency of your required checkups. The data from your checkups can assist in identifying a condition before it poses a threat to your health. Consult your family physician for regular health checkups and seek advice on the tests to be done based on your criteria. This will help you lead a happy and healthy life.
written by Shruthi
References:
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/servicesandsupport/regular-health-checks