Checkups and tests you should not miss

SOME PEOPLE see their doctor every year for a physical to make sure that they are in good health. There is debate about whether you need to go that often. However, in the end, it depends on your age, general health and risk factors for certain problems.

You should not miss essential checkups like annual physicals, blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol screenings to catch health issues early. Routine cancer screenings (mammograms, pap tests, colorectal cancer screening, and prostate checks) and regular eye and dental exams are also crucial for long-term health. Do not forget to schedule mental health check-ins and bone density tests as you get older.

• HEIGHT AND WEIGHT

Whether you go for a regular physical or some other checkup, your doctor probably will get your height and weight. They need it to measure your body mass index (BMI). Keeping your BMI in a healthy range helps protect you from things like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some forms of cancer. Your BMI is based on a formula of height and weight. If you are not in the healthy range, your doctor will suggest ways to help get you there.

• BLOOD PRESSURE

You can also get your blood pressure tested. It is a measure of the pressure of your blood against your arteries. If it is too high, your chances of heart disease and stroke go up. Normal blood pressure is less than 120 over 80.

Doctors define high blood pressure, or hypertension, as 130 over 80 or higher. You should get your blood pressure checked at least every two years starting at age 18. If it is high, you may have to take it more often. Ask your doctor how often you should have yours taken.

• CHOLESTEROL

This is a type of fat in your blood. High cholesterol can lead to heart disease and stroke. You should get your cholesterol checked every four to six years if you are older than 20. Your doctor will likely recommend that you get it checked more often if you are an older adult, male, overweight, or you have a family history of heart disease or high cholesterol, diabetes or a personal history of high cholesterol.

• BLOOD SUGAR TEST

This is a way to check for diabetes or prediabetes. It is a simple test that measures the level of sugar (also called glucose) in your blood. You should start routine testing once you reach age 45. Your doctor may suggest having it done sooner if you are overweight, have high cholesterol or high blood pressure or have had gestational diabetes.

• SKIN CHECK

It is a good idea to check for any changes in moles, freckles, and other marks on your skin. Experts say you should do a skin self-exam once a month. When skin cancers are found early and treated, they are almost always curable. If you or someone in your family has had skin cancer, it is smart to have your skin looked over regularly by a doctor.

• MAMMOGRAM:

This X-ray test looks for changes in your breasts. Experts disagree on how often you need this test and when you should start. Talk to your doctor about it once you turn 40. They may tell you to wait until you are 50, or they may have you get your first one right away. Once you start, some experts have you get one every year. Others say every two years. Talk to your doctor about what is best for you.

• DENTAL CHECKUP:

Hopefully you brush and floss every day. But it is important to also see a dentist regularly so they can look for cavities, gum disease, and other problems in your mouth. You may need to go once or twice a year. It depends on your oral health and what you need to do to keep your mouth and smile looking and feeling good.

• BONE DENSITY CHECK:

This is a preventive health checkup, and starting at age 65, people should get a bone density test to check for osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones. Individuals who have a family history of fracture, and a low body weight, have a history of smoking and use of steroids, etc., have extra risk factors for osteoporosis and should discuss being checked sooner with their physician.

If you want to make sure that you are truly healthy, regular health checkup is the way to go, because with preventive health checkups, your doctor will tell you when to take action. Regular check-ups and testing can help identify issues before they arise and at an earlier stage, when treatment options and prospects of recovery are more favourable for you.

keisha.hill@gleanerjm.com

SOURCE: Pan American Health Organization