Why you should go for a medical check up every year
Feb 24, 2008
IT is not easy for someone to go to hospital for checkup when they are not ill. However, that you are not ill is more reason for you to go to hospital, at least once, this year for a medical checkup, so that you remain that way — healthy.<br>
By Harriette Onyalla
IT is not easy for someone to go to hospital for checkup when they are not ill. However, that you are not ill is more reason for you to go to hospital, at least once, this year for a medical checkup, so that you remain that way — healthy.
In 1991, the American College of Physicians provided crucial pointers by publishing a lengthy report with preventive service and screening recommendations.
Blood pressure test:
Dr. David Mondo of Union Medical Centre in Namibia says anyone above the age of three needs to check their blood pressure at least once every year.
“Ideally, blood pressure is checked on every visit to the hospital.
But those people who do not fall sick during the year should make time to have it checked. “Abnormal blood pressure, either high or low can mean heart disease, which exposes you to complications like heart failure and stroke. It could also mean kidney disease,†Mondo says.
HIV/AIDS test:
Knowing your sero status will enable you get counselling and anti-retroviral treatment if necessary. There are also other sexually transmitted infections, like syphilis and gonorrhea, which people think are outdated, but are actually still in our midst.
Mondo says about 30% of women experience asymptomatic syphilis, that means they do not get symptoms. “The symptoms usually come in the late stages when the disease has already caused extensive damage. syhillis can also affect the brain.â€
Weight:
Mondo says some people are either over-weight or under-weight for their height or age. “Weight gain can mean fluid retention or heart, liver or kidney disease. People developing diabetes are also prone to gaining weight.
People should watch their diets since being overweight may lead to complications like high blood pressure or diabetes. “Weight loss can also mean that there is a problem. Either you are stressed, have eating disorders or cancer,†he says.
Blood Work:
www.fda.gov, a website of the Food and Drug Administration, a US agency, says it should include a glucose test to detect the onset of diabetes, thyroid function tests and blood electrolytes to detect kidney and early heart problems.
Blood sugar
By the age of 20, one should have at least had a screening test to determine blood cholesterol or sugar level.
Mondo says that if the level is high, then a lipid profile, which determines the risk of coronary heart disease, should be done.
The tests are good indicators of whether someone is likely to have a heart attack or stroke caused by blockage of blood vessels or hardening of the arteries.
For women taking oral contraceptives, a lipid profile is advisable at least once every year.
Chest X-ray
A chest x-ray is useful for early diagnosis of lung cancer, tuberculosis and emphysema.
Heart check-up:
It is common that people who are supposedly healthy collapse and die.
“World over, about 40% of heart problems present with sudden death. This means it is the death that leads to the discovery that someone was having heart complications.
A microalbumenia (a urine test), will detect a ‘silent’ heart condition. It can also indicate if there is some damage in blood vessels. There is treatment for these conditions,†Mondo says.
Cancer:
From the age of 40, the American Cancer Society recommends an annual mammogram to screen for breast cancer. While at it, women should request for a clinical breast examination.
Mondo says the monthly self-breast exam, which many women do at home, is being discouraged because it causes a lot of anxiety.
“A Pap smear to investigate cervical cancer is also important for sexually-active women. However, if you get clean sheets for three consecutive years, you can begin testing after every three years.â€
Mondo also advises that from the age of 40, a man should have an annual test for prostrate cancer. Above all, a balanced diet, low in fat and rich in vegetables, exercise, not smoking and using a seat belt will crown your years with great shape.
IT is not easy for someone to go to hospital for checkup when they are not ill. However, that you are not ill is more reason for you to go to hospital, at least once, this year for a medical checkup, so that you remain that way — healthy.
In 1991, the American College of Physicians provided crucial pointers by publishing a lengthy report with preventive service and screening recommendations.
Blood pressure test:
Dr. David Mondo of Union Medical Centre in Namibia says anyone above the age of three needs to check their blood pressure at least once every year.
“Ideally, blood pressure is checked on every visit to the hospital.
But those people who do not fall sick during the year should make time to have it checked. “Abnormal blood pressure, either high or low can mean heart disease, which exposes you to complications like heart failure and stroke. It could also mean kidney disease,†Mondo says.
HIV/AIDS test:
Knowing your sero status will enable you get counselling and anti-retroviral treatment if necessary. There are also other sexually transmitted infections, like syphilis and gonorrhea, which people think are outdated, but are actually still in our midst.
Mondo says about 30% of women experience asymptomatic syphilis, that means they do not get symptoms. “The symptoms usually come in the late stages when the disease has already caused extensive damage. syhillis can also affect the brain.â€
Weight:
Mondo says some people are either over-weight or under-weight for their height or age. “Weight gain can mean fluid retention or heart, liver or kidney disease. People developing diabetes are also prone to gaining weight.
People should watch their diets since being overweight may lead to complications like high blood pressure or diabetes. “Weight loss can also mean that there is a problem. Either you are stressed, have eating disorders or cancer,†he says.
Blood Work:
www.fda.gov, a website of the Food and Drug Administration, a US agency, says it should include a glucose test to detect the onset of diabetes, thyroid function tests and blood electrolytes to detect kidney and early heart problems.
Blood sugar
By the age of 20, one should have at least had a screening test to determine blood cholesterol or sugar level.
Mondo says that if the level is high, then a lipid profile, which determines the risk of coronary heart disease, should be done.
The tests are good indicators of whether someone is likely to have a heart attack or stroke caused by blockage of blood vessels or hardening of the arteries.
For women taking oral contraceptives, a lipid profile is advisable at least once every year.
Chest X-ray
A chest x-ray is useful for early diagnosis of lung cancer, tuberculosis and emphysema.
Heart check-up:
It is common that people who are supposedly healthy collapse and die.
“World over, about 40% of heart problems present with sudden death. This means it is the death that leads to the discovery that someone was having heart complications.
A microalbumenia (a urine test), will detect a ‘silent’ heart condition. It can also indicate if there is some damage in blood vessels. There is treatment for these conditions,†Mondo says.
Cancer:
From the age of 40, the American Cancer Society recommends an annual mammogram to screen for breast cancer. While at it, women should request for a clinical breast examination.
Mondo says the monthly self-breast exam, which many women do at home, is being discouraged because it causes a lot of anxiety.
“A Pap smear to investigate cervical cancer is also important for sexually-active women. However, if you get clean sheets for three consecutive years, you can begin testing after every three years.â€
Mondo also advises that from the age of 40, a man should have an annual test for prostrate cancer. Above all, a balanced diet, low in fat and rich in vegetables, exercise, not smoking and using a seat belt will crown your years with great shape.