Whether it’s time constraints, fear of bad news, cost concerns, or lack of trust in the medical system, nearly one-third of respondents in a 2015 study by the Journal of General Internal Medicine reported putting off seeking medical care, even individuals with major health problems or who were experiencing symptoms. There is no surprise that regular annual check-ups are a far-fetched idea in India, which is not an ideal situation. 

If you're one of the lucky ones who are young, healthy, and able-bodied, you might think you don't need an annual doctor's appointment. However, that should not be the case. There are a few appointments that you ought to schedule irrespective of your current health conditions. Here are the appointments you should consider scheduling on an annual basis.

 

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

 

General Physician 

According to a 2020 study published in BMC Family Practice, annual visits to a primary care physician significantly boosted the rates of preventive healthcare measures. The research revealed a 127 per cent increase in the incidence of colonoscopies, a 122 per cent rise in mammograms, and a 75 per cent uptick in mammography rates. These findings underscore the importance of regular medical check-ups in the early detection of potentially fatal diseases.

Visiting a general physician once every year is crucial for maintaining good health, especially as you age. By the time you reach your thirties, it is advisable to establish a relationship with a primary care physician (PCP) whom you trust and feel comfortable with. An annual checkup allows your doctor to monitor essential health metrics such as blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature, as well as conduct blood and urine tests. These tests provide valuable insights into your blood count, fluid balance, glucose levels, cholesterol, and the functioning of your kidneys and liver. Regular visits help in early detection and management of potential health issues, reducing the risk of serious conditions like cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, strokes, and diabetes.

 

Related story: Uncovering The Benefits of Regular Health Checkups

 

Dentist

According to International Journal Dental and Medical Sciences Research,  it is advisable to visit the dentist at least twice every year.
Everyone must consider visiting a dentist not just to upkeep oral health and hygiene but because the mouth is a gateway to overall health. because sinus infections, vitamin shortfalls, diabetes and more can be indicated by the smell of your breath and the well-being of your teeth and gums. 

Research shows that it takes 180 days in an average human being for bacterial regrowth after a cleaning procedure. The cleaning process, known as scaling removes all the plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) above and below the gum line, making sure to clean all the way down to the bottom of the teeth.

Studies show that Halitosis or bad breath affects 1 in 4 people globally and the most common cause of bad breath is bad oral hygiene. However, there could be other underlying causes including dehydration, hyperacidity, dry mouth, tobacco or alcohol consumption. This makes it important to visit your dentist twice every year without fail.

 

Related story: Oral Health Tips For Sparkling Teeth: 9 Things Your Dentists Want You To Know

 

Vision Care

According to the Indian Journal Of Applied Research, the importance of regular eye exams lies beyond determining visual acuity and updating prescriptions for corrective lenses.

Eye exams aren’t just for those who need corrective lenses. Ophthalmologists can also spot early signs of glaucoma, high blood pressure or diabetes.  Also if you have a visually strenuous job or a hobby, you never know when your vision would have been compromised. Not only visually straining work but even high cholesterol, depression and anxiety can impact eye health.

The blood vessels in the retina are a good way to tell how the blood vessels in the rest of the body are doing, and optometry specialists can check on them. Changes in how the retinal blood supply and blood vessels look can be used to find out what’s not going well under the surface. Also, if you are diabetic then know that one of the most common causes of blindness in humans is diabetes. There are no outward signs of diabetic eye disease in its early stages. Therefore, the only way for doctors to catch the condition early enough to avoid vision loss is through a thorough eye exam.

 

Related story: Important Diagnostic Tests For Women Over 30

 

Andrologist/ Gynecologist/ Urologist

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends routine STI (sexually transmitted infections) screenings for sexually active individuals. At an annual visit, women can seek care about a variety of health issues, from pregnancy planning and counselling to cancer screenings and tests. 

According to the CDC, many sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), also known as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), often do not show symptoms. Therefore, the only way to confirm if you have an STD is through testing. Untreated curable STDs can be dangerous; for instance, chlamydia and gonorrhoea, if not treated, can lead to infertility in women. Additionally, having an untreated STD increases the risk of acquiring HIV
Women should start seeing a gynaecologist at the age of 21, regardless of sexual activity. 

The CDC also suggests that all sexually active women younger than age 25 should be tested for chlamydia each year. Sexually active men younger than age 25 in areas with a high number of chlamydia cases among males should also be tested each year for STDs.

 

Related story: 6 Health Screenings All Women Should Have

 

Dermatologist

Dermatologists are not just for people with acne, rosacea, or other noticeable skin concerns. Even if you have crystal clear skin, it’s a good idea to go in for a skin check, since 2023 research by The Lancet reveals an alarming rise of skin cancer in India. 

Years of exposure to UV rays without adequate protection can lead to skin cancer. Going for regular visits can help catch the condition and ensure timely treatment. 

Dermatologists also aid in early detection of skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis that can prevent them from worsening and can help manage symptoms effectively. They can also help in addressing hair and nail issues. They can treat issues related to hair loss, scalp problems, and nail disorders, which can be signs of underlying health issues.

 

Related Story: Here’s Why BMI Is a Flawed Indicator of Health

 

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

 

Regular health checks are essential for everyone, but they are particularly important for individuals who are at risk of or already have any underlying conditions. Taking regular health checks can help detect the condition at an early stage when it is easier to manage and treat. With the UR.Life HRA, 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 can 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.