It’s important to attend specific checkups at certain ages when you’re more prone to develop diseases and conditions. In addition, there are checkups you can perform at home regularly to keep an eye on your health. Remember to contact your GP if you notice anything irregular or worrying.
Key facts
- Regular health checks help prevent serious diseases or the development of fatal conditions.
- Certain ages call for specific health checkups as the body grows more sceptical of specific conditions.
- You can conduct many at-home checkups to maintain your overall health and well-being.
- It is important to conduct regular checkups when you are pregnant.
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Why do you need regular checkups?
It is important to take measures to protect your health and well-being. Regular health checkups can help to catch medical problems early when they are more likely to be treatable. Cancer screenings, for example, can help to detect the disease in its early stages. Similarly, tests for blood-borne viruses and sexually transmitted infections can help to diagnose these conditions before they cause serious health problems.
At-home health checks
Regular self-examination and health checks are important for everyone. Even if you feel fit and well, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your general health and to check for any concerning symptoms. You can do plenty of health checks at home without needing to see a doctor. If you’re worried about any symptoms, it’s always best to seek medical advice. Early detection is key to successful treatment, so don’t hesitate to contact your doctor if you have any concerns.
Below are a few at-home checkups you can perform on a regular basis:
Teeth
By closely examining your gums, you can get an early indication of problems that might otherwise go unnoticed. Swollen gums can be a sign of gingivitis. In contrast, gums that appear higher than usual may indicate the presence of gum disease. If you have a wobbly tooth, it’s important to see your dentist as soon as possible so that they can determine the cause and develop a treatment plan. If left untreated, a wobbly tooth can eventually fall out. One of the most common symptoms of gum disease is bleeding gums. This can occur while brushing, flossing, or pressing your fingers against them. While a very small amount of bleeding is considered safe, it’s when more bleeding is noticeable that you should start worrying.
Skin
It is important to be familiar with your body to recognise any changes that might occur. If you notice any unusual lumps, swellings, skin changes or other abnormalities, it is important to see a doctor for further investigation. Self-examination can play an important role in the early detection of cancer.
To check yourself for cancer, you should look carefully at your fingernails, palms, forearms (including the undersides), and upper arms. Examine the back, front and sides of your legs. Sit and closely examine your feet, including toenails, soles and the spaces between your toes. If you notice anything unusual, such as a lump, swelling, skin changes or other abnormalities, see a doctor as soon as possible for further investigation. Early detection is one of the most important factors in successful cancer treatment.
Checkups at a doctor
Our bodies constantly change, and we become more susceptible to various diseases and conditions as we age. While there is no guaranteed way to prevent all illnesses, keeping up to date with regular health checks is one of the best ways to reduce your risk. Cancer screenings, regular immunisations, and tests for blood-borne viruses and sexually transmitted infections can help catch potential problems early when they are typically more treatable. So if you’re concerned about your health, talk to your doctor about which screenings and tests are right for you.
Cervical Cancer
Cervical screening tests are an important part of preventive healthcare for women. In 2018, the PAP test was replaced by the more reliable cervical screening test. This new test is more accurate and must only be done every five years. Cervical screening tests are an important part of preventive healthcare for women, and self-collection is a new option that gives women more control over their health.
Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer is most common in men aged around 20 to 40, and the risk increases as men get older. However, it can affect men of any age, including young boys and older men. There are two main types of testicular cancer: seminoma and non-seminoma. You can get tested for both at official testing sites.
Heart Disease
A heart health check is an important exam that everyone should have. Your GP will discuss your diet, exercise, family history and heart health risks, like smoking or obesity. Your blood pressure will be checked, and your doctor will order blood and urine tests. They’ll look for high blood pressure, high cholesterol or kidney disease. This exam is important because it can help to identify problems early on before they become serious. If you have any risk factors for heart disease, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes or medications to lower your risk. A heart health check is a simple way to protect your heart and improve overall health.
Diabetes type 2
Type 2 diabetes is common among adults with unhealthy lifestyles. To check for diabetes, you will receive a blood sugar test. Glycated haemoglobin (A1C) is a blood test that measures your average blood sugar level over the past two to three months. The A1C test can diagnose type 2 diabetes in people who do not have symptoms of the disease. It is also used to monitor blood sugar levels in people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and treated with insulin or other medications.
Bowel Cancer
The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) has been designed to help reduce the number of Australians diagnosed with bowel cancer yearly. The program is open to all Australians aged 50 to 74 and involves a simple and free test that can be done in the privacy of your own home. Every two years, all eligible Medicare card holders will receive their test in the mail. Blood in your stool can be an early sign of bowel cancer, so it’s important to see your GP if you notice it.
Breast Cancer
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, breast cancer is the second largest cause of cancer death in Australian women after lung cancer. To help combat this problem, the Australian government offers free mammograms to women over 40. Mammograms are a vital tool in identifying breast cancer early when it is most treatable. The earlier breast cancer is detected, the better the chances are for successful treatment. As such, getting a mammogram every two years can greatly increase your chances of beating breast cancer. If you’re a woman over 40, take advantage of this important program. It could save your life.
Bone density
As we age, our bones can become weaker. This can lead to an increased risk of fractures, particularly in the hips and spine. Bone density scans can help assess the strength of your bones and identify areas that may be at risk of fracture. The quick and easy scan uses low-dose x-rays to measure bone density. Healthy Bones Australia recommends that men and women over 50 have a bone density scan if they have any risk factors for osteoporosis, such as low body weight or a family history of the condition. If you are concerned about your bone health, talk to your doctor about whether a bone density scan is right for you.
Prostate Cancer
You can screen for prostate cancer with the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. However, it will only tell you that you’re susceptible to the disease, not if it’s already developing. The PSA test measures the protein level produced by both normal and cancerous cells in the prostate gland. A high level of PSA may indicate cancer. However, it can also be caused by other conditions, such as an enlarged prostate or inflammation. That’s why it’s important to consult a doctor before the test. If the PSA level is high, additional testing, such as a biopsy, may be needed to confirm the diagnosis. There is no definitive way to screen for prostate cancer, but talking to your doctor and getting the PSA test is a good start.
Visual and hearing impairment
Medicare offers coverage for an eye exam at least every three years. This is a vital service, as regular checkups can help detect early eye problems, which can be treated more effectively. During an eye exam, your optometrist will check your vision and assess your risk of developing eye diseases. Similarly, in Australia, many services are available to help people concerned about their hearing. These include free hearing tests, which can help determine whether a person needs to see a specialist. Several organisations provide support and information for people with hearing loss.
Other times to get a checkup
Certain conditions or lifestyles call for regular checkups. These include when you are pregnant, have a chronic condition, or are suffering from irregular symptoms. This allows doctors to monitor the progress of the pregnancy or condition, and to provide necessary treatment. Women who are pregnant and have irregular symptoms should also go for health checks, as this may be an indication of a problem. By getting regular health checks, pregnant women and those with chronic conditions can ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy or condition.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
At what age should I get a health check?
While it is true that many health problems can be identified and treated effectively when caught early, there is no magic age at which all people should start getting screened for everything. Instead, doctors recommend that people focus on staying up to date with screenings for the things that are most likely to affect them based on their individual risk factors.
How often should you check your health?
Although opinions may vary, most healthcare professionals agree that routine physical exams are a good idea for people over the age of 50. These exams help catch potential health problems early when they are more easily treated. For people under the age of 50 who are in good health, physical exams are generally recommended every three years. However, if you have a chronic disease or other ongoing health issues, you should see your doctor more often, regardless of age.
Is a health check necessary?
Regular health checkups are essential because they help identify potential problems at an early stage. Early diagnosis can be the difference between a cure and a long-drawn battle in critical cases like cancer. Often, people only see a doctor when they are already feeling unwell. Regular health checkups allow doctors to catch problems early and provide treatment to prevent the condition from worsening. In addition, these checkups allow patients to learn more about their health and what they can do to maintain their well-being.
Why and when should you go for a medical checkup?
The main aim of a checkup is to ensure that your body systems are functioning well. Most medical doctors advise you to go for a general checkup at least once a year. Regular checkups are an important part of preventative healthcare and can help to detect potentially serious health problems early. Certain checkups, such as bone density and prostate cancer, should be performed at specific ages.
Can I ask my GP for a full health check?
Yes. Regardless of how healthy you feel, it is always a good idea to visit your GP for a routine checkup at least once a year. This is because your GP is trained to spot early signs of serious underlying conditions, even if you are not experiencing any symptoms. This is especially important if you plan to take out life insurance, as most insurance policies will not cover pre-existing conditions.
How often should you get a full body checkup?
As you age, monitoring your health and catching any potential problems becomes increasingly important. For this reason, most medical doctors advise that you go for a general checkup at least once a year. This recommendation is based on factors such as age, gender, risk factors, family health history and current health status. Once you reach the age of 45, it is especially important to make sure that you are up-to-date on your annual checkups.