You know the drill: every year you go in for your physical and various other tests, whether it’s to check on that nagging cough or to see how well your cholesterol levels are doing. But what about all those other medical check-ups you should be going in for, but might not be aware of? Here are a few important ones you don’t want to miss.
Blood Pressure Check
Blood pressure is a vital sign that tells you the condition of your heart and blood vessels. It is also an important indicator of your overall health.
Your blood pressure reading should be checked at least once every year, especially if you are over the age of 65. To get a correct reading, it is important to take your blood pressure at the same time every day for about 3 weeks. You should also do this when you are not stressed or anxious.
Monitoring blood pressure regularly will help you determine if changes in lifestyle and diet can bring down your numbers. If they can’t, then it is time to see a cardiologist Perth for more tests and advice on how to treat high blood pressure.
Thyroid Check
Thyroid disease affects around 10 million people in the US alone. It is one of the most common hormonal disorders in women and men alike, with women being at higher risk than men due to their hormone cycles.
The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism, which means that even a small change in its function can have a significant impact on weight gain or loss, as well as cholesterol levels, energy levels, mood swings, memory, and other body functions.
It is very important to monitor thyroid function through regular check-ups by a doctor who will prescribe drugs if necessary or lifestyle changes like eating more iodine-rich foods such as seafood (salmon) and seaweeds (kombu).
Colonoscopy
Colon cancer is the third most common type of cancer in the US, but it can be prevented through regular screening.
The colonoscopy is an endoscopic procedure that allows doctors to examine the entire length of your colon for any signs of growths or abnormalities. It also allows them to remove any polyps that may be present before they develop into cancerous tumors.
A colonoscopy should be done at least once every 10 years if you are over 50 and have no family history of colon cancer. If you have a family history of colon cancer, then it is important to get screened even earlier, especially if you are over 40 years old.
Pap Smear Test
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancers in women thanks to Pap smears, which can detect abnormal cells in your cervix as early as possible so they can be removed before they turn into cervical cancer.
Pap smears are usually done annually after age 21 or within 3 years after first sexual intercourse. However, women with a history of HPV infection should get tested more often than others because their risk for cervical cancer is higher than those without HPV infection.
Mammogram
A mammogram is a screening test for breast cancer. It is usually done every year after age 40 or within one year after first childbirth.
Women who are at high risk for breast cancer should get screened more often, especially if they have a strong family history of breast cancer.
Regular check-ups are important because they allow you to monitor your health and catch any potential problems early on before they become serious issues that may require treatment.