Importance of Regular Checkups
July 25, 2017Once, there was a time when people only saw their doctors when they got sick or had a chronic disease. Today, people understand the importance of regular health checkups. Preventative care is now commonplace with more people practicing good health habits. Medical professionals are suggesting that patients get annual comprehensive health checkups to screen for such conditions as coronary heart disease, cancer, or depression, and to maintain overall well-being.
Why Regular Check-Ups Are Important
Regular checkups help to uncover budding health problems before they worsen. When you keep up with preventative healthcare, your doctor can detect chronic diseases and other issues early, giving you the best chance of finding the right treatment as soon as possible. Preventative health check-ups allow for early detection, fast treatment, and the avoidance of possible complications. Good health habits can help you live a longer, happier, and healthier life.
Benefits of Regular Check-Ups
Doctors request that their patients schedule a routine health checkup once a year so they can monitor their health. If you have a family history or pre-existing condition, you will need to visit your doctor more often. The benefits of having preventative health checkups include:
- Reduce your risk of developing health problems or getting sick
- Early detection of chronic diseases or potentially fatal health conditions
- Improve your chances of finding the right treatment and cure
- Monitor existing conditions and reduce the risk of developing complications
- Better health for a longer life
- Lower health costs over time without the need for medical treatments or surgeries
- Develop a good relationship with your health care professional for optimal treatment
- Stay on top of medical advances
Preventive Health Check Up
A typical annual health checkup for an adult may include:
- Family history and counseling
- Blood pressure and cholesterol check
- Body mass index (BMI)
- Physical examination
- Preventive tests and screening
- Cancer screenings (individualized)
- Colorectal
- Skin, blood, and urine
- Breast and cervical exams for women
- Testicular and prostate exams for men
- Sensory screenings
- Vision and hearing (as needed)
- Mental health discussion
- Receiving any necessary boosters/immunizations
To get the most out of your annual health checkup, it is important that you be proactive. Before your visit, review and update your records to include any changes in family history. Be prepared to ask questions about any health concerns or upcoming screenings.