CRegular Check-Up Prevents Bigger Ailments

There are tests that everyone should undergo at least once a year. But if you smoke, have weight problems, have a family history of diabetes and hypertension, some of these tests will have to be done on a more regular basis. Blood pressure test, cholesterol screening, pelvic exam, breast cancer screening like mammograms, cholesterol checks, and prostate-specific antigen tests among others.

Today, many persons visit a doctor, even though they have absolutely no symptoms. There is no standardized procedure for the annual health exam.

It could be a brief interview or some preventive health procedures. There could be series of laboratory like a complete blood count or urinalysis. Whichever it is, don’t wait till you’re sick, before going to the doctor. Here are checkups and tests you should never miss.

Getting a checkup is a way of making sure everything is OK. Some people see their doctor every year for a physical. But there’s some debate about whether an annual exam is helpful or needed.

How often you should have a checkup depends on many things, including your age, general health, and whether you have risk factors for certain problems. At a routine checkup, your doctor will ask you questions about your health and lifestyle.

She’ll listen to your heart and lungs. She’ll also likely measure your weight and vital signs like blood pressure and temperature.

Your blood pressure rises as your heart beats and falls as it relaxes between beats. It’s a measure of the pressure of the blood in your arteries.

Too high can lead to heart disease and stroke. Normal blood pressure is less than 120 over 80. Doctors define high blood pressure, also called hypertension, as 140 over 90 or higher.

The American Heart Association suggests you get your blood pressure checked at least every 2 years.

If it’s high, you’ll need to get it checked more often. Ask your doctor how often you should have your BP checked.

Amongst the list of constant check-up are;

Cholesterol
Height/Weight
Colorectal cancer screening
Blood sugar testSkin check
Mammogram
Breast exam test
Pap test
Male physical exam
Dental test