By going for regular check-ups, your doctor will be able to catch early signs of potential illnesses and take corrective measures. It can also allow your doctor to catch any changes to your body which may be indicative of a medical condition
The human body is a complex machine. It is a network of different organs, bones, muscles, and systems. Owing to the fact that the functioning of the human body is multi-faceted, one needs to ensure regular health check-ups.
In case there is any disorder, it can be detected at an early stage and eliminated as soon as possible before it reaches a dangerous and incurable stage or starts to affect the other parts of the body.
Most people are more concerned about their outward appearance. If they look good and are robust from outside, they consider themselves to be healthy. However, you never know what’s happening inside. You won’t even get to know about some grave underlying disease till it turns into someone serious and leaves a great impact on your health.
Basic health check-ups need to be regular
As we start growing old, our body becomes home to numerous diseases. Health issues and problems start as early as when you are in your 20s and 30s. Some of the most common check-ups that need to be conducted are checking blood pressure levels, twice a year dental check-ups and cleaning, cholesterol and level of glucose, and regular blood tests. It is important that you consult a doctor to get regular check-ups and screenings and if you’re a woman to get a yearly pap smear.
The older you are the more you need to be checked regularly
Once you step into your 40s, in addition to all the tests which are required at the age of 20, you need to check for some age related and genetic diseases like diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol tests. Women especially need once a year gynaecological tests like mammograms and pap smears. In addition, they also get menopause which also might need a doctor’s visit. And as you get into your 50’s and 60’s you need to check at least one a year Bone Density Scan, stool occult blood test and tests for visual and hearing impairment.
Here are some reason why regular check-ups can help you.
Awareness of personal health: Regular appointments with your doctor can keep you aware of your body’s health. This awareness will enable you to take better care of yourself and take the correct lifestyle measures to maintain your overall health.
Prevention of serious conditions: By going for regular check-ups, your doctor will be able to catch early signs of potential illnesses and take corrective measures. It can also allow your doctor to catch any changes to your body which may be indicative of a medical condition. This way, you will be able to treat the condition before it escalates.
Encourages healthy habits: You will be encouraged to maintain healthy practices. Such practices include a good diet, regular exercise, and stress management. Without regular health appointments, there is less motivation to maintain your general health, so healthy habits that maintain your cholesterol, BMI, and stress levels will be neglected.
Keeps your body in good shape: In addition to encouraging you to maintain healthy lifestyle habits, regular check-ups will also help keep your body at its best. This is because your doctor will provide suggestions to keep your body in its best shape. As a result, you will feel fit, healthy, and energised.
Maintains a strong immune system: Individuals who go for regular health check-ups are less likely to get sick. This is because they maintain healthy habits that facilitates a strong immune system.
Cost saving: Some people avoid going for check-ups because they believe that it is too expensive. In reality, it can be significantly cost-saving in the long-run. This is because check-ups reduce the risk of developing more severe illnesses that are more costly to treat. It can also prevent the need for expensive and risky surgeries.
The writer is Dr Rohan Sequeria Consultant General Medicine, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre