If you feel fit and healthy you might be thinking that you have no need to see a doctor. In fact with public health knowledge increasing, people are visiting doctors less frequently.
However, if you only see a physician when you are already ill, you could be missing out on vital health screening.
There are many benefits to an annual health check-up. They can identify health problems early, and give a picture of the state of your health.
But what should you be checking for? As a woman, there are a number of things you should include in your annual health check-up. Read on to find out more.
1. Cholesterol Check
Cholesterol is a natural fat that your body needs to work properly. There are a few types of cholesterol which are:
- Total cholesterol – all the cholesterol in your body combined
- High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol – called “good” cholesterol
- Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol – called “bad” cholesterol
Too much bad cholesterol is a health concern because it increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other illnesses. Therefore, women over the age of 20 should get regular cholesterol checks as part of their health care.
2. Pap Test
A Pap test is when a doctor or nurse takes a sample of cells from your cervix. These cells are sent to a laboratory for testing for any abnormalities. Unusual cells in the cervix can be a sign of cervical cancer, so it is a very important test for women to take.
The Office On Women’s Health recommends that most women aged 21-65 should get a Pap test as part of routine health care.
3. Dental Exam
As part of your annual health check-up, you should visit your dentist at least once or twice a year.
As well as getting your teeth cleaned, dental exams check for plaque, gum disease, and other dental health problems.
But a dental exam is not just about your teeth. An oral examination can provide clues about serious illnesses. Dentists can detect diseases such as osteoporosis or even cancer just from an oral exam.
4. A Diabetes Test Should be Part of your Annual Health Check Up
You can develop diabetes at any point in your life, which is why it is important to include a diabetes test in your routine health check-ups. A diabetes screening will test your blood glucose levels to see if your body is processing sugar properly.
If you are overweight or have high blood pressure it is especially important for you to take a diabetes test. Although health care professionals recommend that all women over 45 take a diabetes test routinely.
5. Blood Pressure Exam
You should include a blood pressure exam as part of your regular health checks as high blood pressure can be an indicator of a number of illnesses.
A blood pressure exam is very quick and completely painless. It involves a device that fits around the arm and takes a reading in a few seconds.
If you do have high blood pressure there are plenty of ways you can lower your blood pressure. But it is always worth getting it checked as a matter of course.
Everything You Need To Know About Probiotics
So, those are five exams you should include in your annual health check-up.
Routine screening is a vital part of staying healthy and detecting problems early. It is also important that you maintain your health and wellbeing all year round. Find out more about how probiotics can enhance your health right here.