Prevention really is better than cure. Regularly undergoing simple health screenings, and spotting the early signs of sickness can help us live longer, increase our quality of life and boost recovery outcomes from illness. We all worry about our health as we grow older, but making a concerted effort to track our wellbeing will make the passage of time that little less daunting—here is our list of the key health checks, what they involve and why they are important.
Cholesterol
Also known as the silent killer, high cholesterol can build up in the arteries and increase an individual’s risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke. A simple blood test at your doctor’s surgery will determine whether you have high levels of ‘bad’ cholesterol, also known as LDL low-density lipoprotein. Testing is vital; high cholesterol doesn’t cause obvious symptoms. Schedule a blood test at your doctor’s surgery—based on your results, your doctor may prescribe cholesterol-lowering medicines, or recommend a healthier diet accompanied by regular exercise.
See also: Your Guide to Healthy Fats
Eye tests
The quality of vision is just one of the many things you can measure with regular eye checks; these tests can also pick up on early signs of a host of other conditions including glaucoma and diabetes as well as detect any abnormalities or injuries. During these health checks, an optometrist will measure the pressure inside your eyes and look at how they reflect light. Depending on your results—and whether or not your eyes need medical attention—your optometrist may prescribe glasses or refer you to a specialist.
See also: 10 Tips to Keep Your Eyes Healthy
Mammogram
Detecting breast cancer at the earliest stage possible is the best way to increase life expectancy and the chances of a full recovery. During a routine breast check—which consists of simple x-rays—specialists will be able to detect the presence of cancer before it causes visible changes in the body. Screening for breast cancer is vital: according to Age UK, around one in eight women are diagnosed with the disease during their lifetime. The results will be sent to your doctor. If the result reveals an abnormality, your doctor may ask you to attend more tests.
See also: Breast Cancer
Blood pressure
Blood pressure is the pressure your blood exerts on the walls of your arteries. Having abnormally high blood pressure weakens the heart and damages the walls of arteries, dramatically increasing an individual’s risk of stroke and heart and kidney disease. It is recommended to measure blood pressure at least once a year. During this quick and painless routine screening, your doctor will place a cuff on your upper arm and inflate it until it becomes tight. A blood pressure reading below 130/180mmHg is normal; if it is higher than that your doctor may advise you on how best to lower it, prescribe medication or offer a blood test to check your kidneys.
See also: The Dangers of High Blood Pressure
Sexual health
Most times, sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) will not cause any symptoms—this is why regular testing is vital. As with most health issues, early diagnosis can lead to immediate treatment and better outcomes. STI tests are available in sexual health clinics, community contraceptive services, sexual health services, doctor’s surgeries and pharmacies. Certain infections will only require a urine sample, while others—like HIV and syphilis—will need a blood sample.
See also: Intimate Issues
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