TOP HEALTH CHECKUPS FOR MEN AND WOMEN

Prevention is always better than treatment. Don’t wait until you’re feeling unwell—take a proactive approach and get yourself checked. Just as a car needs regular tune-ups to run smoothly, our bodies require the same level of attention. Ideally, everyone should have a check-up at least once a year. However, if you don’t have a personal or family history of any medical conditions and aren’t experiencing any symptoms, a check-up every two years is still a good way to stay informed about your body’s health and performance. Don’t delay—make these tests a priority for your well-being. 

In this blog, you will learn about essential health screenings you should never miss or delay. We will cover the details of each test, including their indications, preparation, and the appropriate screenings for different age groups and genders. By staying informed, you can take proactive steps toward maintaining your health, catching potential issues early, and preventing serious conditions from developing. 

General Health Screenings

Blood Pressure

Often referred to as the “silent killer,” high blood pressure is a serious yet subtle condition that typically shows no symptoms but can lead to severe complications such as kidney failure, cardiovascular problems, or brain hemorrhages.

Recommend Frequency for Blood Pressure test:  

*Risk factors  include Obesity, smoking habits, diabetes, a family history of hypertension or heart disease, chronic kidney disease, or stroke, blood pressure 

The test is simple and quick: A nurse will wrap a cuff around your arm and inflate it to measure your systolic pressure (the maximum pressure when your heart beats). The cuff is then slowly deflated to measure the diastolic pressure (the lowest pressure when your heart is at rest). This provides your doctor with valuable information about the health of your blood vessels and helps determine if you have hypertension.

It’s important to get your blood pressure checked at least once every two years if you’re under 40 and don’t have high-risk factors. For those with obesity, smoking habits, diabetes, a family history of hypertension or heart disease, chronic kidney disease, or stroke, blood pressure should be monitored every three months. Regular check-ups can help catch issues early and prevent serious health problems.

Blood Sugar Test

The blood sugar test measures how efficiently your body processes sugar after eating. A normal result should be below 125 mg/dL (random blood sugar test). If the result is higher, or if you have a history of gestational diabetes, a family history of diabetes, or known metabolic disorders, more specific tests like fasting blood sugar or HbA1c may be recommended. The HbA1c test provides an average of your blood sugar levels over the past three months. 

Recommend Frequency for Blood Sugar testing:

*Risk factors  include Overweight or obesity, Family history of diabetes, Sedentary lifestyle, History of prediabetes, High blood pressure (BP ≥ 190/90), History of gestational diabetes, Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), Very high triglyceride levels 

Experts recommend starting diabetes screening at age 35. However, individuals with risk factors—such as being overweight, having a family history of diabetes, leading a sedentary lifestyle, a history of prediabetes, high blood pressure (BP ≥ 190/90), a history of gestational diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or very high triglycerides —should begin screenings at age 25 and continue annually. Early detection helps catch diabetes before symptoms appear and allows for early intervention to prevent its progression.

Lipid Profile

The cholesterol test assesses cholesterol and fat levels in your blood, providing insight into the amount of fat accumulated in your blood vessels. High levels of fat can lead to serious complications, such as stroke, heart attack, or vessel blockage. 
Ideally, total cholesterol should be Below 5 mmol/L.  

Recommend Frequency for Lipid Profile test: 

*Risk factors include family history of cardiovascular disease 

Your total cholesterol includes both LDL (bad) cholesterol and HDL (good) cholesterol. Ideally, total cholesterol should be Below 5 mmol/L. For healthy individuals, it’s recommended to have your cholesterol levels checked once a year. However, those with a family history of cardiovascular disease should monitor their cholesterol more frequently, as advised by their doctor. Regular cholesterol checks are essential for maintaining heart health and preventing potentially dangerous conditions.

Vision Assessment 

Vision assessments are crucial for identifying refractive errors, which have become more common due to increased screen time. Prolonged screen use can affect eyesight, making annual vision checks essential.

Vision Assessment has become a crucial part of health screenings these days and are important because they help us identify: 

• Detect Refractive Errors: Vision assessments help identify issues like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism—conditions increasingly common due to prolonged screen time. 

• Fundus Examination: The fundus (back of the eye) is often considered a “mirror of the brain.” It can reveal signs of increased intracranial pressure, an early warning for serious neurological conditions. It also detects damage to eye blood vessels, often caused by conditions like diabetes. 

Recommended Frequency for Vision Assessment: 

If necessary: More frequent visits may be recommended by your doctor based on your assessment. 

Another important reason to have your vision checked is for a fundus examination. The fundus (back of the eye) is often referred to as a “mirror of the brain.” This test can reveal signs of increased intracranial pressure, which can be an early indicator of serious conditions. It also helps detect eye vessel damage, such as that caused by diabetes. Identifying these issues early allows for timely treatment, preventing further damage or potential sight loss.

Regular eye exams not only help maintain good vision but can also uncover underlying health issues, making them an essential part of your healthcare routine.

Dental Checkup 

Many people suffer from headaches and undergo costly, extensive tests to explore numerous causes, all while stressing over worst-case scenarios. The truth is, the issue could be something as simple as not visiting the dentist for a while. 

Recommended Frequency for Dental Checkup: 

We’re here to guide you and help mitigate any symptoms or complications along the way. 

Regular dental checkups can save you from both physical and mental stress. They help maintain oral health, detect issues before they become painful, and prevent complications like gum disease or infections that could spread to your bloodstream and even affect your heart. Taking care of your teeth can help you avoid bigger problems down the road.
A checkup once or twice a year could make all the difference. We’re here to guide you and help mitigate any symptoms or complications along the way.

Mental Health Assessment

The hardships of daily life can take a toll on mental health. Everyone responds differently to challenges, and sometimes, overcoming them requires strength and courage that may need professional support. This strain can lead to conditions like PTSD, depression, and many others. Regular visits to a psychiatrist, along with mental health assessments, can help maintain your well-being. These checkups offer valuable strategies to build resilience, live a happier life, and prevent potential mental health crises. 

Recommended Frequency for Mental Health Assessment: 

At least once a year, you should take the time to release mental stress and refresh your mindset to better cope with life’s challenges. If more frequent visits are necessary, your doctor will advise you after the initial consultation and assessment. 

Pre-Marriage Checkups:

Marriage is a beautiful milestone that sets the foundation for a healthy and happy family. Before taking this important step, it’s essential to know which tests to undergo to ensure your health and well-being. In addition to the usual health checks, consider these key tests specifically recommended before marriage:

• Blood group
• Fertility tests
• Hepatitis B & C
• Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and other infections
  These tests help provide peace of mind and ensure a healthy start to your new chapter.

Health Screening for Adults Aged 40 and Above

We agree that age is just a number, but every age requires its own unique care. As you reach your 40s and beyond, regular health checkups become essential for maintaining your health. Based on your medical history, general health, and your doctor’s recommendations, here are some key checkups to consider: 

Health Screening for Women

1. Breast Cancer Screening 

• Breast Self-Examination (BSE):
  Recommended monthly to check for lumps or abnormalities.
• Clinical Breast Exam:
  Performed annually by a healthcare professional to detect any issues.
• Mammogram:
  X-ray of the breast; recommended annually or biannually for women over 40.

With breast cancer being a growing global health concern, regular screenings are essential for all women, particularly those at higher risk. 

Recommended Frequency for Breast cancer Screening: 

2. Cervical Cancer Screenings

• Pap Smear (Pap Test): A routine test to collect cells from the cervix and check for precancerous changes and cervical cancer.
  • Women aged 21-29 should have Pap tests every 3 years.
  • Women aged 30-65 should have Pap tests combined with HPV testing every 5 years or Pap tests alone every 3 years.
• HPV Testing: Often done alongside the Pap test for women aged 30-65 to detect high-risk HPV types that can lead to cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.

Recommended Frequency for Cervical cancer Screening:  

Health Screening for Men 

1. Prostate Cancer Screening

• PSA Test: A blood test measuring prostate-specific antigen to detect potential issues with the prostate gland. Recommended starting at age 55, but men aged 40-54 may need it earlier if they:
  • Have a first-degree relative (father, brother) with prostate cancer.
  • Have at least two extended family members with prostate cancer.
  • Are African-American, an ethnicity with a higher risk of aggressive prostate cancer.

Recommended Frequency for Prostate cancer Screening: 

*Individuals with high risk includes who have a first-degree relative (father, brother) with prostate cancer, have at least two extended family members with prostate cancer, are African-American, as they are at higher risk for aggressive prostate cancer. 

2. Colon Cancer Screening 

• Colonoscopy: A procedure using a flexible tube with a camera to examine the entire colon and rectum. Recommended starting at age 45, or earlier if there are risk factors. It allows for the removal of polyps, which can help reduce cancer risk. It can be done every 10 years or as per the doctor’s recommendations based on the results of the first colonoscopy.
• Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT): A non-invasive test that checks for hidden blood in the stool. Recommended annually for individuals at average risk.
• Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT): Similar to the FOBT, this test checks for hidden blood in the stool and is recommended annually for those at average risk.

Recommended Frequency for Prostate cancer Screening: 

3. Bone Density 

As we age, particularly after 60, bone density naturally decreases due to the body’s reduced ability to absorb minerals and build strong bones. This makes it essential to undergo a bone density assessment, such as a Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) scan, which is a special type of X-ray that provides detailed images of your bones to detect any issues early.

Bone Density Test (DEXA Scan):

• Results are given in T-scores:
  • A T-score of -1.0 or higher is considered normal.
  • A T-score between -1.0 and -2.5 indicates low bone density (osteopenia).
  • A T-score of -2.5 or lower indicates osteoporosis.

Fracture Risk Assessment:

• Tools like FRAX can estimate the 10-year probability of hip and other major osteoporotic fractures based on various risk factors, helping to assess the need for treatment.

Lab Tests:

• Blood tests to check calcium, vitamin D levels, and hormone levels may be conducted to identify underlying causes of bone loss.

Reduced bone density, known as osteoporosis, weakens bones and increases the risk of fractures from even minor falls or accidents. Individuals with a family history of fractures, low body weight, a history of smoking, or those using steroids have additional risk factors for osteoporosis. These individuals should consider discussing an earlier screening with their physician.

Recommended Frequency for Bone Density Screening: 

Conclusion

Regular screenings can help catch health issues early, leading to better outcomes and a healthier life. Always consult your doctor for personalized recommendations based on your gender, ethnicity, age, health status, and family history.