Most health professionals recommend regular checkups to help maintain overall wellbeing and spot any potential issues before they become serious. While the frequency may vary depending on age and general health, there are 10 basic health checks that everyone should consider scheduling on an annual or bi-annual basis.
1. Blood pressure:
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for developing heart disease and stroke, so it’s important to get it checked regularly. Home testing kits can be used in between medical checkups if desired.
2. Blood sugar:
Diabetes is one of the most common chronic illnesses today, and elevated levels of blood sugar can put people at risk of developing this condition. Regular checks can help detect warning signs early and prevent diabetes from developing.
3. Cholesterol:
High cholesterol can lead to a range of heart issues, so getting it checked on a regular basis is important for maintaining good health. Your doctor may also recommend lifestyle changes such as exercising more and eating a healthy diet if your levels are too high.
4. Eye examination:
Regular eye examinations can help detect early signs of vision loss or the development of certain eye diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration and cataracts. Ensuring you have good vision is crucial for safety, so this check should not be skipped!
5. Skin cancer screening:
Annual skin cancer screenings are key to catching melanomas early and preventing them from spreading further in the body. It’s recommended to have one every year if you’re over 40 and more regularly if you have a family history of skin cancer or spend a lot of time outdoors in the sun.
6. Dental exam:
Regular dental exams are essential for detecting early signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems before they become serious. Visiting your dentist twice a year is ideal, but even once per year should be enough to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
7. Hearing test:
Hearing tests may not be top of the list when it comes to health checkups, but they are an important part of maintaining good overall health. Hearing loss risks and poor hearing can lead to social isolation and depression, so having a hearing test once per year is strongly recommended.
8. Pap test:
This test is conducted by a gynecologist, and helps detect signs of cervical cancer in women over 21 years old. It should be done every 3-5 years as recommended by your doctor.
9. Prostate exam:
Men over 40 should visit their doctor for an annual prostate exam to check for any irregularities that could indicate the development of prostate cancer. Early treatment can greatly reduce risk, so it’s important not to skip this one!
10. Vaccinations:
Certain vaccinations are recommended at different points throughout life, such as flu shots or tetanus boosters, so make sure you keep track of these and schedule appointments when needed.
Regular health checks should never be neglected as they can play a huge role in preventing certain diseases or catching them early before they become serious. Make sure to discuss any concerns with your doctor and schedule regular appointments for each of these 10 checkups – you’ll thank yourself for it later!
