As our lifestyles evolve and stress becomes a constant companion, our health faces notable impacts. While the significance of routine health check-ups, especially after 30, is well-known, many of us tend to overlook their importance. When we feel healthy, it's natural to put aside thoughts of potential illnesses until certain symptoms surface.

 

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However, with the prevalence of diseases impacting people of all ages, taking a proactive approach by scheduling regular health screenings becomes increasingly wise. Regular health exams and screenings serve as proactive measures, enabling us to identify and address potential issues before they take root.

 

While the idea of undergoing screening tests may naturally evoke concerns and it's crucial not to let these fears discourage you. By focusing on preventive health measures, individuals often experience better overall health, increased energy levels, and improved mental well-being, leading to a higher quality of life. Embracing the fact that health screenings come with numerous advantages is key, as they offer early insights into potential health concerns. It’s time to set a proactive tone for the upcoming year and start with prioritising your health.

 

Related story: 6 Health Screenings All Women Should Have

 

 According to a 2023 study issued in the journal StatPearl, health screening involves a series of tests conducted before symptoms of a disease appear. These tests aim to detect potential ailments or assess the risk of certain diseases. While not diagnostic, they serve as a vital tool for physicians to determine if further, more specific tests are necessary to confirm a particular condition or evaluate the risk of its development. Therefore, these screenings serve as a proactive measure to safeguard against potential risks that could otherwise lead to complications.

 

The significance of screening tests for your health amplifies under certain circumstances:

• If you have a family history of specific medical conditions, screening becomes more crucial to identify potential risks early on.
• As you age, certain screenings become more relevant due to increased susceptibility to certain illnesses.
• Certain lifestyles can elevate health risks, making regular screenings more essential to monitor potential health implications.
• If your medical history predisposes you to certain diseases, regular screenings become imperative to monitor and manage potential risks effectively.

 

Related story: Uncovering The Benefits of Regular Health Check Ups

 

Benefits of health screening

Making your health a priority not only benefits your physical well-being but also impacts various facets of your life, including relationships, work, and overall lifestyle. Participating in preventive screenings serves as a proactive approach to safeguarding your future and maintaining optimal health.

 

Prioritising preventive health screenings brings about a multitude of benefits that contribute significantly to overall well-being:

• Early detection through regular screenings often leads to better management of chronic diseases, significantly improving one's quality of life.
• Proactively engaging in health screenings provides a sense of control and peace of mind, reducing stress levels associated with uncertainty about one's health.
• Early diagnosis through screenings helps avoid costly treatments in the future, leading to significant savings on healthcare expenses.
• Investing time in preventive screenings can prevent future hospital visits, thereby freeing up valuable time for other activities and commitments.

 

Also, for prevention of disease and monitoring illnesses, experts recommend repeat testing every 3-6 months. 

Related story: 5 Habits That May Increase Cancer Risk

 

11 Health Tests To Book Now

Prioritising regular health screenings and checkups is a fantastic New Year's resolution and can be a transformative commitment toward a healthier and more informed year ahead. It's a proactive step that ensures you're taking charge of your well-being and staying ahead of potential health concerns.

 

Routine health checkups can vary depending on factors like age, gender, family history, and personal health risks. Book your health test here.

 

However, here's a general list of essential health screenings:

1. Blood Pressure Measurement

Regular blood pressure tests serve as a proactive step in managing your health, enabling timely interventions and promoting a healthier lifestyle. High blood pressure often has no noticeable symptoms, making regular screenings essential to identify and manage it early. It's a critical indicator of your cardiovascular health. Elevated blood pressure can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other complications.

 

2. Cholesterol or Lipid Test For Heart Health

Elevated LDL cholesterol levels are associated with an increased risk of heart disease, as they can lead to the buildup of plaque in arteries, restricting blood flow. Cholesterol level test measures various types of cholesterol, including LDL (low-density lipoprotein, often termed "bad" cholesterol), HDL (high-density lipoprotein, often termed "good" cholesterol), and total cholesterol. These values help assess the risk of heart disease.

 

3. Blood Sugar Test For Diabetes

Regular blood sugar tests are crucial, especially if you have risk factors such as a family history of diabetes, obesity, or a sedentary lifestyle. The test measures the level of glucose (sugar) in your blood. Elevated levels may indicate diabetes or prediabetes, a condition where blood sugar is higher than normal but not yet at diabetes levels. If diabetes or prediabetes is diagnosed, it guides the treatment plan, including medications, dietary adjustments, and exercise routines to manage blood sugar levels.

 

Related story: The Diabetes Guide: How To Manage Blood Sugar

 

4. CT Scan For Lung Cancer

If you've been a cigarette smoker or have a history of smoking, undergoing a lung scan, specifically a low-dose CT scan (LDCT), can be crucial for detecting any early signs of lung disease, including lung cancer. A 2023 study issued in the journal StatPearl shows that a lung scan, especially LDCT can detect lung abnormalities, such as nodules or other suspicious areas, at an earlier stage when they might be more treatable.

 

5. Pap Smears For Cervical Cancer

As per 2023 report by the National Cancer Institute, regular Pap smears, recommended starting at age 21, followed by Pap testing every 3 years. Even if you are sexually active, you do not need a Pap test before age 21. Pap smears aim to detect abnormal cells on the cervix that may lead to cervical cancer. Positive Pap smear results may lead to further diagnostic tests or procedures, such as colposcopy or biopsies, to confirm the presence of abnormal cells and guide treatment decisions.

 

Related story: What You Should Know About Cervical Cancer Screening—Pap Smear And HPV Test

 

6. Mammograms For Breast Cancer

According to a 2020 statistic issued in the journal Cancer, mammography has shown a remarkable 41 per cent reduction in women's mortality from breast cancer over a decade. These screenings prevent cancer from developing and significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and better survival rates.

 

7. Bone Density Test

While often associated with women, osteoporosis can affect men as well. Bone density tests serve as a crucial tool in assessing bone health, especially for individuals at higher risk due to age, family history, or certain medical conditions. These tests measure bone mineral density, evaluating bone strength and density. Lower bone density indicates a higher risk of fractures and osteoporosis. Detecting low bone density early allows for preventive measures to slow down bone loss, reduce fracture risk, and prevent osteoporosis-related complications.

 

8. Eye Exam For Better Vision

Eye exams are crucial for maintaining good eye health. Besides, eye tests assess overall eye health, detecting conditions like glaucoma (a group of eye conditions that can lead to vision loss), cataracts (clouding of the eye's lens), macular degeneration (a leading cause of vision loss in older adults), and other eye diseases. For those wearing glasses or contact lenses, eye exams help determine any changes needed in prescriptions to maintain optimal vision.

 

9. Dental Checkup

Poor oral health can contribute to various health issues such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. Dental checkups allow for early detection of oral health issues like cavities or gum disease in their early stages and can prevent them from progressing. Dental exams often include screening for oral cancer, which can lead to early detection and improved treatment outcomes if caught early.

 

10. Urine Drug Test

Urine drug screens are tests used to detect the presence of various illicit drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, and others.or their metabolites in a person's urine. Some employers or legal entities may require urine drug screening as part of pre-employment screening, random testing, or legal proceedings.

 

11. Blood Tests For Hepatitis or Liver Diseases

Your healthcare provider might want to check these values to screen you for possible hepatitis or other liver diseases. They draw a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm to test in the lab to check if you have liver inflammation (hepatitis). Apart from this, the bilirubin test, total protein test, Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) test, and prothrombin time test are performed to analyse the complete process.

 

Remember, these recommendations may vary based on age, gender, personal health history, and family medical history. Consult with a healthcare professional for personalised guidance. To kickstart a healthy journey, consider scheduling your annual checkups and health screenings if you haven't already.

 

Need all your wellness solutions in one place? A whole new world awaits just a click away.

 

At UR.Life, we're committed to supporting your well-being. With the UR.Life Corporate Wellness programme, we help you to invest in your well-being through seamless interventions and targeted medical treatments. Our holistic wellness approach caters to all aspects of your well-being. We ensure that you are able to bring your whole self to work.

With our medical professionals by your side, routine health check-ups will never be an issue. Advanced laboratory technologies back UR.Life’s Occupational Health Centers (OHC), and with highly qualified experts/technicians, we’re committed to delivering trusted and quality recommendations, modifications and advice to you.

Click here to learn more about the UR.Life Corporate Wellness programme and unlock better health.