Tuning our health is one of the most important things we can do. Preventative health physicals and screenings are paramount to our health, and the early identification of concerns can extend and preserve our health. I, who has been a healthcare provider for years, have seen for myself that regular check-ups can really make a difference in people’s lives.
Preventative health physicals, the so-called annual health check-ups and wellness exams, are the main tests that form the health of a person. These tests are not only for the times of sickness, but they form a vital part of outpatient care and future health prevention.
What to Expect During a Physical
In the course of a physical test, your doctor often should:
- Be sure to check your medical history
- Measure your vital sign (blood pressure, heart rate, temperature)
- Do a visual test on your body
- Check your heart and lungs by stethoscope
- Check your reflexes
- Ask about any concerns or symptoms with which you may be faced
Importance of Health Screenings
Health screenings are tests that find disease before they have symptoms. The earlier you catch a health problem, the easier it will be to cure it. Some common health screenings include:
Blood Pressure Screening
Blood pressure, although often asymptomatic, can lead to life-threatening illnesses if left untreated. Thus, regular checks are the main element of a complete cardiovascular health program at the clinic.
Cholesterol Screening
High levels of cholesterol in the blood is a great risk factor for such diseases as heart disease and stroke. It’s a simple blood test that can determine how much cholesterol you have in your body.
Diabetes Screening
Testing blood glucose levels is a fundamental way of early detection of diabetes or prediabetes.
Cancer Screenings
People need to have different types of cancer screenings based on their age, sex, and risk factor. These may include:
- A mammogram for breast cancer
- A pap smear for cervical cancer
- A colonoscopy for colorectal cancer
- A skin examination for skin cancer
The Role of Laboratory Tests
Labs are the key players in the preventative health system. Blood tests give valuable information about the overall health of a person. The tests identify the following parameters:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- Metabolic Panel
- Thyroid Function Tests
- Vitamin D Levels
There are many laboratory tests available at the Absolute Urgent Care, which are compatible with your regular health check-ups.
Preventative Health Across Different Age Groups
Children and Adolescents
Regular checks for kids and youngsters generally include the following:
- Measurement of babies’ growth and development
- Vaccines
- Eye and ear check-ups
- Talks on food and activity
Adults
There is no doubt that the issue of health is of primary importance for adults. The prevention of health issues is typically achieved by means of:
- Evaluation of cardiovascular risk
- Cancer Screening
- Evaluation of mental health
- Lifestyle counseling
Older Adults
In addition to the above, with the advancing age of people, the following tests become indispensable:
- Osteoporosis screening
- Cognitive assessments
- Fall risk evaluations
- Medication reviews
Benefits of Regular Preventative Care
Regular preventive care has a number of benefits. Among them are the following:
- Early detection of diseases
- Control of chronic conditions through early interventions
- Better general health and quality of life
- Decrease in medical expenses
- Advantages in both the length and quality of the life one lives
Overcoming Barriers to Preventative Care
Time Constraints
Owing to the nature of busy schedules, health check-ups may not come out as a priority many times. Absolute Urgent Care offers flexible hours to meet your needs.
Cost Concerns
Most insurance plans cover many prevention services. Patients are advised to check directly with their insurance providers on the coverage of each particular service.
Fear or Anxiety
Some individuals fear a written result of the diagnosis so much that they tend to skip check-ups till the last moment. Bear in mind that early detection is the most favourable outcome of the disease.
Making the Most of Your Preventative Health Visit
For the maximum advantage you can get from your preventative health session, you need to:
- Create a list of interrogations or complaints
- Take a list of medications which you are currently taking
- Be honest about your life habits
- Fulfil the proposed examinations or tests
Future of Preventative Health
Preventative health is moving forward with technology. Telehealth and wearable devices, for example, are helping with times when people are at risk. However, these vast resources are ideally needed for the help of regular check-ups, rather than solving the problem.
Lifestyle Factors in Preventative Health
Nevertheless, health promotion includes measures like proper nutrition, enough physical activity, stress management as well as sleep routine, along with periodic visits to the doctor:
Nutrition
A diet which is rich in foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can be preventive of a number of health problems.
Exercise
Regular physical activity is important for keeping a person healthy and for preventing chronic diseases.
Stress Management
Long-term stress can be directly harmful to physical health. Techniques such as meditation, yoga, or joining a counselor can help control stress.
Sleep
Where sleep is concerned, it is a matter that affects every part of the general health. The aim should be to consume 7-9 hours of sleep per night of good quality.
Role of Vaccinations in Preventative Health
Preventative health cannot be fully accomplished without vaccination. The main function of vaccination is the eradication of hazardous ills and among other applications, the stoppage of infections. It is crucial for you to stay up to date with the vaccines your doctor has recommended and thus get maximum benefits of the preventative care process.
Taking Control of Your Health
Preventative health physicals and screenings are in essence such powerful tools for maintaining our health and identifying health problems before they turn into serious issues. Through your action on regular check-ups and screenings, you are indeed the one who actively contributes to better health and quality of life.
Please, be reminded that we are here at Absolute Urgent Care welcoming the care of your preventative health needs. The medical professionals at Absolute Urgent Care are ready to perform standard physicals, give vaccines, and engage in discussions about your health. Take over your health starting today in the long run, your future self would be grateful to you.
