Remember the old adage – Health is Wealth? Well, this has never been truer, considering the stresses people experience every single day of their lives. The fast-paced and competitive, hardly leaves people any time to rest, relax and rejuvenate. As a result, there are many people suffering from chronic diseases. Many of these people could have prevented the onset of chronic ailments if they had made an effort to get a whole body check up.
How Often Should You Have a Whole Body Health Check up?
While some people consult a doctor when they feel they have a health issue, others are diligent enough to visit the doctor at regular intervals to get a check up done. This said, most people do not know how often they should visit a doctor for a whole health check up.
Previously, it was a foregone conclusion that if you wanted to ensure optimal health and wellbeing, you had to have a full body check up once a year. However, this has now changed. Renowned medical associations, such as the American Medical Association, now advocate having a whole body checkup once every 5 years in young adults below 40 years of age. After crossing 40, you should then look to have a whole health checkup once every 3 years. On the other hand, if you are taking prescription medication after 40, the frequency of your health checkup will increase and your doctor will tell you how often you should come for a complete health checkup.
What is the Logic Behind the Frequency of Whole Body Check up?
The premise here is most people under the age of 40 are usually healthy and without any health problems. If they do have a health issue, usually it can be diagnosed during a physical examination. Such people often visit a doctor if they notice something is the matter.
The transition from an annual full health check to one every 5 years was also taken for financial reasons. It was observed annual testing is not very cost effective and resulted in unnecessary tests and anxiety for the patient.
What Does a Whole Body Check Up Include?
A whole medical checkup includes testing and evaluating all the important body systems. It is important to note that some tests, such as testing for uterine and breast cancer, are solely for women, while other tests, such as testing for prostate cancer are just for men.
Generally, the Following Tests are Part and Parcel of a Full Medical Check up:
Blood Test:
To determine the hemoglobin count and differential count of platelets, basophils, monocytes, eosinophils, lymphocytes, and polymorphs
Diabetes Blood Test:
To test the blood for blood sugar levels
Cholesterol Test:
Testing of the blood for triglyceride levels
Urine Test:
To ascertain the levels of glucose and protein
ECG:
To test the health of your heart and catch heart disease early
Eye Test:
Examining the eyes and their function
Ear Test:
This test checks your hearing and functioning of your auditory system
X-Ray and Scans:
A chest Xray and an ultrasound abdomen and pelvis scan is routinely recommended as a part of a whole body check up.
A whole body health check helps in identifying risk factors for chronic diseases and should never be ignored. Schedule your full body checkup today and enjoy optimal health.
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