Why you need a medical check-up
Feb 22, 2009
IF most people analysed their health status, they would probably be way off the ideal recommended lifestyle, says Dr Myers Lugemwa, a senior medical officer in the health ministry.
By Vision Reporter
IF most people analysed their health status, they would probably be way off the ideal recommended lifestyle, says Dr Myers Lugemwa, a senior medical officer in the health ministry.
He uses the following factors as a yardstick: “Evaluate yourself: How much do you way in relation to your height, how much alcohol do you consume, how often do you walk, how much salt do you eat in a day? But, above all, when was the last time you went for a voluntary medical checkup?â€
Importance
Lugemwa explains that regular medical check-ups help detect preventable illnesses that would otherwise become fatal. “One or two visits to a clinician could significantly extend your lifespan and reduce costs on healthcare.
It could check ailments that hardly show symptoms until advanced stages like cancer, pressure and stroke.â€
For instance, Lugemwa says, some people are obese and do not know it. Others have high blood pressure and think they sweat a lot because of the heat.
The American Medical Association suggests that people have medical check-ups every five years until age 40 and then every one to three years thereafter.
For those in their 20s, two exams are recommended, three for those in their 30s and four for those in their 40s. An annual health exam is recommended for patients over age 50.
“However, it is always best to work with your clinician to decide what is best for you,†Lugemwa says. “Even during brief visits to the clinic, ask whether your weight and pressure are fine.â€
What to expect from a medical examination
A complete family and medical history will be taken.
The clinician should check and ask questions about the eyes, ears, nose, throat, abdominal area, swallowing, appetite, digestion, circulation and lungs.
A urine specimen is used to test problems with kidneys
A blood sample to check cholesterol and iron deficiency
The clinician may request additional tests, depending on age, gender, medical history and family history such as a chest X-ray, EKG, rectal examination, or stress test may be suggested.
Common tests
Blood pressure measurement
Cholesterol measurement
Pap smear for detection of cervical cancer
Breast cancer screening (mammogram and clinical breast exam)
Colorectal cancer screening (fecal occult blood test and or sigmoidoscopy)
Prostate cancer screening
Thyroid disease screening
Dental and weight check
What to do
This will depend on the exam. Nonetheless, it is advisable to exercise regularly, avoid raw salt, reduce sugar and fat consumption, practice protected sex and eat a balanced diet.
Promptly treat every slight sickness, avoid alcohol and tobacco. Drink plenty of water, have a balance between work and leisure to avoid stress.
IF most people analysed their health status, they would probably be way off the ideal recommended lifestyle, says Dr Myers Lugemwa, a senior medical officer in the health ministry.
He uses the following factors as a yardstick: “Evaluate yourself: How much do you way in relation to your height, how much alcohol do you consume, how often do you walk, how much salt do you eat in a day? But, above all, when was the last time you went for a voluntary medical checkup?â€
Importance
Lugemwa explains that regular medical check-ups help detect preventable illnesses that would otherwise become fatal. “One or two visits to a clinician could significantly extend your lifespan and reduce costs on healthcare.
It could check ailments that hardly show symptoms until advanced stages like cancer, pressure and stroke.â€
For instance, Lugemwa says, some people are obese and do not know it. Others have high blood pressure and think they sweat a lot because of the heat.
The American Medical Association suggests that people have medical check-ups every five years until age 40 and then every one to three years thereafter.
For those in their 20s, two exams are recommended, three for those in their 30s and four for those in their 40s. An annual health exam is recommended for patients over age 50.
“However, it is always best to work with your clinician to decide what is best for you,†Lugemwa says. “Even during brief visits to the clinic, ask whether your weight and pressure are fine.â€
What to expect from a medical examination
A complete family and medical history will be taken.
The clinician should check and ask questions about the eyes, ears, nose, throat, abdominal area, swallowing, appetite, digestion, circulation and lungs.
A urine specimen is used to test problems with kidneys
A blood sample to check cholesterol and iron deficiency
The clinician may request additional tests, depending on age, gender, medical history and family history such as a chest X-ray, EKG, rectal examination, or stress test may be suggested.
Common tests
Blood pressure measurement
Cholesterol measurement
Pap smear for detection of cervical cancer
Breast cancer screening (mammogram and clinical breast exam)
Colorectal cancer screening (fecal occult blood test and or sigmoidoscopy)
Prostate cancer screening
Thyroid disease screening
Dental and weight check
What to do
This will depend on the exam. Nonetheless, it is advisable to exercise regularly, avoid raw salt, reduce sugar and fat consumption, practice protected sex and eat a balanced diet.
Promptly treat every slight sickness, avoid alcohol and tobacco. Drink plenty of water, have a balance between work and leisure to avoid stress.