Do you know how important it is to prevent a disease than treating it early? Routine checkups are necessary to assess risk factors for several medical conditions, detecting cancer and other illnesses. This may evaluate lifestyle habits to remain healthy and lessen the risk of severe or life threatening ailments. Continue reading to know about the benefits of routine checkups with the doctor, how often you should go for the one and how to prepare for it. Make sure you get a full body health check up to know about your present condition.
How often adults should go for routine checkup
The suggestions for the frequency of routine checkups depend on your age, present health condition and risk factors.
Though the opinions differ, routine checkups with the doctor are usually recommended as follows:
- once in every 3 years when you are below 50 years and stay in good health
- once in a year after you turn 50
If you suffer from chronic diseases such as diabetes or COPD, you need to visit the doctor frequently, despite how old you are.
The doctor may suggest more or less time between routine checkups based on screening test results, present health condition and risk factors.
Benefits of conducting routine checkups
Routine checks ups with the healthcare provider may be beneficial for your health in different ways. Some of these key benefits include:
- finding life threatening health problems early before they lead to a problem
- early treatment of health conditions for increasing the odds of good result
- routine monitoring of present health concerns which lessen the risk of worsening symptoms or extreme complications
- staying up-to-date on screening tests and vaccinations
- limiting healthcare expenses related to treating serious conditions that are not detected early
- developing and maintaining honest relationship with the primary care physician
- learning new ways to live healthy, longer life and improving your overall health
What you need to include in a routine checkup
During the yearly checkup, the doctor evaluates your health history, present condition and schedule necessary health screening tests in London.
For men and women, conducting adult annual checkup will consist of a review and update of:
- your family history, if necessary
- your medical history
- your medication list and allergies
- your screening test and vaccination
Men and women are generally screened for:
- high blood pressure
- depression
- use of tobacco
- obesity depending on your body mass index
- alcohol and drug misuse
- HIV screening for adults in the age group of 15 to 65 and anyone at greater risk
- hepatitis C for anyone
- type 2 diabetes with family history or risk factors
- colorectal cancer starting at 50 years
- lung cancer with yearly low-dose CT scan for adults within 55 to 80 years
- smoking
Women
Additional screening tests for women are:
- intimate partner violence screening for women who will give birth to a child
- Pap smear for cervical cancer screening within 21 and 65 years
- mammogram for breast cancer screening between 50 and 74 years
- high cholesterol screening from 45 years
- osteoporosis screening from 65 years
Men
Additional screening tests for men consist of:
- abdominal aortic aneurysm screening from 65 to 75 years having history of smoking
- prostate examination is not recommended though you and your doctor may decide you should start it at 50 years
- high cholesterol screening from 35 years
What you can expect when you undergo a physical examination
When you see a doctor for routine checkups, the nurse takes you to the examination room and will typically:
- check blood pressure and detect other signs
- identify your health history, allergies, medications and lifestyle choices in the medical record
- ask about changes in medical history from the last visit
- ask when you require medication refills
- conduct screening evaluations for depression or use of alcohol
Your doctor will carry out complete physical examination which includes:
- Inspect the body for marks or abnormal growths
- feel abdomen and other body parts which lets the doctor to check the location, consistency, size and tenderness of internal organs
- listen to your lungs, heart and intestines through a stethoscope
- use a method called percussion for tapping the body to identify if there is fluid in the areas where it should not be
- if you are a woman within 21 to 65 years and the doctor asks to conduct a Pap smear during the physical exam
- age, present health condition and risk factors to perform other tests or exams during a physical examination
How to prepare for routine checkup
Below are some tips on what to prepare for a physical examination:
- When seeing a new doctor, gather medical information which includes old records and vaccination history. Carry them with you at the appointment. If you do not have vaccination history, the doctor may order blood work to test for antibodies called antibody titer test.
- If you have visited the doctor early, create a list of what can be changed in your medical and surgical histories since the last visit.
- Your medication list should be up-to-date with vitamins, over-the-counter medications, supplements and herbal remedies you take. You may need to bring the prescription bottles when purchasing them.
- Prepare a list of new symptoms including allergies, or medication reactions you have had from the last visit.
- Make sure your living remains up-to-date and carry a copy when you need to make any changes.
- Inform the doctor whether there are special needs such as a wheelchair or an interpreter so these services can be ready when you reach there.
Conducting routine checkups is a great way to improve your health and lessen the risk of getting sick. It is advisable to conduct physical examinations once a year when you are above 50 years and once in every three years when you are below 50 years and stay in good health. When you suffer from chronic disease or other ongoing health concerns, see a doctor often whatever may be your age. You may visit your nearest private GP in London for regular health check-up and take care of your condition.
