The Importance of Annual Health Check-ups
An annual health check-up is a plan for taking care of your health. In today’s society, more and more people, especially the younger generation, are starting to pay more attention to their health. This can be seen through the increased focus on eating healthy foods and exercising. People now want to live healthier lives and are becoming more conscious of self-care. The annual health check-up is a screening tool to detect diseases in their early stages, even before symptoms appear. Early detection allows for better and more effective treatment, as compared to when the disease has progressed or symptoms have developed.
In today’s world, there are many factors that can affect our health. Some diseases may not show symptoms until it is too late, which can lead to organ loss or even death. Regular health check-ups provide peace of mind and help ease the worries about potential health problems. These check-ups are for individuals who have no apparent symptoms, with the aim of identifying health risks or diseases that have not yet shown symptoms, thereby reducing the severity and complications of the disease. Regular check-ups can also reduce long-term healthcare costs.
What to Check During an Annual Health Check-up
Recommended tests include:
- Blood pressure, pulse rate
- Body Mass Index (BMI)
- Complete blood count
- Urinalysis
- Chest X-ray
For women who have had sexual activity, it is recommended to add a Pap smear to screen for cervical cancer. Individuals at risk, such as those who are overweight or have a family history of high cholesterol or diabetes, should also consider testing for blood cholesterol levels and blood sugar levels.
At the age of 35, it is recommended to have a health check-up at least once a year, including tests for blood cholesterol and blood sugar levels, along with an electrocardiogram (ECG). Women should also undergo screening for cervical cancer and breast cancer.
At age 60 and above, both men and women should have their bone density and colon cancer risk assessed, as the incidence of these diseases is higher in individuals over 60.
For other tests such as lung cancer, prostate cancer, kidney disease, thyroid function, liver function, and special tests like pre-marriage or pre-pregnancy check-ups, these should be done as appropriate based on personal behaviors and risk factors. You should consult with your doctor if you have concerns about being at higher risk for any of these conditions.
Preparation Before Your Annual Health Check-up and Things to Avoid!
- Get enough sleep before the check-up, as lack of rest may affect blood pressure readings and heart rate results. Aim for at least 6-8 hours of sleep.
- Avoid eating or drinking, including alcohol, for at least 8 hours before the check-up. Do not eat anything after midnight on the night before the check-up. If you forget to fast, inform the medical staff before your check-up.
- Avoid sweet beverages and sugary snacks, as they can cause high blood sugar levels in the urine.
- For blood sugar testing, fast for at least 8 hours before the test.
- For cholesterol testing (cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL), fast for at least 12 hours and avoid high-fat foods for at least 3 days before the check-up.
- When having a chest X-ray, remove any metal items such as jewelry (watches, rings, necklaces, belts). For women, wear a wireless bra or sports bra. If pregnant or suspect pregnancy, inform the hospital staff before the test, as X-rays can affect the fetus.
- For ECG testing, remove any metal accessories and avoid strenuous activity before the test.
- For breast cancer screening, avoid scheduling during menstruation, as the breasts are often swollen and tender during this time.
- For blood drawing, press the puncture site for 5-10 minutes to stop any bleeding. If bruising occurs, it will resolve in 1-2 weeks.
- For vision tests, bring your current glasses and avoid wearing contact lenses for more accurate results.
- For hearing tests, rest your ears for at least 12 hours before the test and schedule it before your workday to ensure accuracy.
- If you are menstruating, avoid urine tests as menstrual blood can contaminate the sample and affect the results.
- Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your arms for blood tests. Women should wear skirts if pelvic exams are required.
- Morning check-ups are recommended since after a blood test, you can eat and drink immediately, avoiding any unnecessary exhaustion.
- If you have any chronic illnesses, bring medical reports or records to help the doctor make an accurate diagnosis.
Follow-Up and Regular Health Monitoring
Annual health check-ups help you track your health regularly. Each check-up involves blood tests, X-rays, and blood pressure measurements, providing a comprehensive view of your health. This allows you to compare your health status with previous years and track any changes. Regular check-ups enable you to plan your healthcare better and prevent issues from escalating.
To maintain good health, take care of yourself daily by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, staying positive, getting enough rest, and having an annual check-up to assess whether there are any abnormalities or things that need to be addressed.
Early detection of diseases makes treatment easier and helps prevent complications. A wise person once said, “Money can’t buy good health, but good health can help you earn more money.” Prevention is always better than cure.
