Your health is the most important asset you have. Without good health, you cannot enjoy the simple pleasures of life. Examples of these are playing with your children, performing your job passionately, playing sports or engaging in your hobbies. We are exposed to a variety of harmful germs and bacteria throughout our day to day lives. Therefore, we need to make sure that we are healthy. This can be accomplished by going for medical checkups. A medical checkup is a physical examination which is thorough and consists of a variety of unique tests. The collection of tests performed during a medical checkup depend on factors such as your age, sexe and perceived health. There are a number of medical checkups which you should go for every year. Read on to learn about the most important medical checkups to do yearly.
The Complete Blood Count (CBC) and chemistry panel
This is the best test to begin with. The chemistry panel is a test that can inform you of your overall body health. This test is able to give you the health information of your kidney, liver and blood cells. The chemistry panel test can give you a wealth of information about the health of your heart too. It tests for the levels of cholesterol, high density and low density lipo-proteins too. Moreover, the Complete Blood Count (CBC) test performs a number of measurements in your blood. It measures the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, concentration and the quality of platelets in your blood. These tests can help you to identify infections, hematologial problems or anemias as early as possible.
Suggested Reading : 15 Key Elements of a Healthier and Happier Lifestyle
Fibrinogen test
Fibrinogen is an important factor in the process of blood clotting. The levels of this chemical in your blood increase according to the level of tissue inflammation. There are some diseases in the body that cause inflammation. Examples of these are heart disease, brain swelling, rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis and the inflammation of the kidneys. These inflammatory diseases cause the levels of fibrinogen in the body to increase. Thus, a fibrinogen test can point to inflammation in these parts of the body.
Hemoglobin A1C
This test analyzes the levels of glucose in your body. It tests the levels of blood sugar in your body. This test can actually predict the risk of heart disease. This is both in people who have and those who do not have diabetes. Moreover, this test assists the people who have diabetes to prevent any complications of this disease from occurring. According to professional bodies such as the American Diabetes Association, you should undergo the haemoglobin A1C test every three to six months. This is for the purpose of monitoring the levels of glucose in your body. This test gives the most accurate picture of blood glucose levels.
A blood pressure test
This is one of the easiest, painless medical tests which you can perform. It is so easily accessible that you don't even have to go to a doctor for it. There are many pharmacies which have machines that perform blood pressure tests. This test is especially important for men. According to the National Institutes of Health, men between the ages of 18 and 64 should go for this test once every two years. However, with the lifestyles and societal pressures of today, you should engage in these tests at least once every year. Currently, optimal blood pressure levels have been adjusted to 110/70. High blood pressure is an indicator of various underlying problems. Examples of these are stress, heart problems or dietary issues. If you are found to have high blood pressure, your doctor can recommend activities such as exercise, a diet which has low amounts of salt and more fruit consumption.
Suggested Reading : 10 Reasons Why Magnesium Supplements Could Make You Healthier
Prostrate Cancer Tests
Prostrate cancer is a disease which affects men. It can be dangerous and cause numerous health problems. It can even become life threatening. Therefore, prostrate cancer screening is one of the most important tests to perform today. There are many ways of testing for prostrate cancer. The least invasive one is a blood test. This one tests the level of PSA (Prostrate Specific Antigen) in your blood. The right levels should be 4 ng/mL. Another type of test for prostrate cancer is the rectal examination. In this one, the doctor analyzes your rectum for cancer indicators. As you go for a prostrate cancer examination, be sure to discuss with your physician which one of the two methods is ideal for you.
Colon cancer examination
The second most dangerous cancer in the United States is colorectal cancer. This information comes from the American Cancer Society. The organization indicates that people around the world approaching age 50 should be checked for this type of cancer. Colon cancer can be checked using a variety of methods. One method is a colonoscopy. This is where the whole colon is checked using a camera fixed upon the end of a flexible tube. Another method is the flexible sigmoidoscopy. This one checks the lower third of your colon.
Much less invasive is the CT colonography. This one examines your colon by using a Computerized Tomography, commonly known as a CT scan. Another method which is used to identify if you are developing this cancer is a double-contrast barium enema. This is where your colon is filled with materials which have contrasting colors. After that, an X-Ray is taken and doctors can proceed to analyse the images to see if you have any signs of cancer. You should effectively take this test every five years. Thus, you can begin this year and know if you have colon cancer or not.
Suggested Reading : 10 Things You Should Do Daily for a Healthier and Happier Life
The pap smear and the pelvic exam
This is a combination of two tests which every woman above the age of 21 should undergo. It can also be performed earlier than that if you are sexually active. A pap smear and a pelvic examination should be performed after every one to two years so as to check for any problems which could be affecting the reproductive system. Moreover, if you are over the age of 30, you should have this test performed less frequently. Once every 3 years is sufficient for you. This test involves the analysis of cervical cells to check for cancer in this region. During this test, the doctor can also check if you have any Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).
The mammogram
A mammogram is a test which screens for breast cancer. It requires the light compression of the breast so that some X-Ray images can be taken. These images reveal the presence or absence of cancerous cells. Women over the age of 40 should go for a mammogram every year. It is essential in detecting breast cancer as early as possible.
The Important Take Away
Health is wealth. It is highly important to keep your body healthy and free of infection or disease. The tests indicated above can help you to accomplish both and be confident of great health. You can also detect a disease early enough for it to be corrected safely and restore your wellness. Take heed and undergo these tests at least once a year. Your life could depend on it.