Our bodies are our most precious resource but very seldom do we take care of it like we should. As we get older, our bodies tend to need more care, and this includes regular health checks to make sure everything is A-Okay. Regular health checks can also mean early treatment due to illnesses being caught early.
Here is our list of health checks everyone should be getting:
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Dermatologist – everyone
Melanoma is the leading form of cancer in adults aged 25-29 so both men and women should visit a dermatologist annually for him or her to check your moles, skin lesions and any signs of skin cancer.
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Cholesterol – everyone
High cholesterol can start as early as in your twenties so everyone should be going for a cholesterol test every 5 years starting at age 20. There is also a massive misconception that only overweight individuals get high cholesterol but everyone is susceptible.
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Reproductive organs – everyone
Pelvic exams, pap smears and breast exams, and testicular exams should be done every year like clockwork for both men and women. Cervical cancer can be caught early and this can only be done by a pelvic exam.
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Colonoscopy – men
Colorectal cancer forms 10% of cancers in men and colonoscopies should be done every five to ten years in men over 30, and every five years in women over 50. Prostate checks should also be done regularly from 40.
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Bone density scans – women
After 40, bone density scans should be done every 3 years if you weigh less than 55kgs, or are at risk for osteoporosis. Once a woman turns 60, this test should be done every two years depending on your test results.
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Blood pressure – everyone
Men and women should have blood pressure checks every time they visit their GP, but if you are fortunate enough to not need the doctor that often, once a year is advised for blood pressure checks. Healthy blood pressure is about 120/80 but if a reading is high, you should recheck in 6 months.
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Diabetes screenings – everyone
Diabetes needs to be caught early and you can typically only be tested at 45 if you have no other risk factors, but if you have other risk factors, including being significantly overweight, have high blood pressure or have a history of diabetes, you should be tested sooner. Ideally you should be checked every 3 years to catch it early and help adjust your diet.