Overview
The concept of annual health check-ups is still alien to most Indians. Most people do not undergo a medical check-up unless they fall sick and are suggested by their doctors. This is one of the biggest reasons why people are unable to prevent the progression of a major illness on time. On the contrary, prioritizing preventive health check-ups not only helps in early disease diagnosis but also improves overall wellness.
Why is It Important to Prioritize Preventive Health Check-ups?
Our body does not develop a disease overnight. It is an outcome of years of stress and poor nutrition combined with a sedentary lifestyle. The only way to timely gauge prospective health problems is by undergoing medical check-ups regularly. Besides, nowadays, people do not have to worry about the cost of these preventive health check-ups, as they are covered by most health insurance plans in India.
Here are a few reasons why prioritizing full body check-ups is necessary for everyone:
Early Diagnosis of Diseases
Most critical illnesses, like cancer, do not have any visible symptoms unless they reach a later stage. Regular health check-ups can help detect such illnesses at an early stage, where treatment and managing the disease is possible.
Monitor Pre-existing Diseases
Annual health check-ups are one of the best ways to manage chronic illnesses, like diabetes, hypertension, etc. Doing so makes it easier to monitor the disease progression and take essential steps to manage it effectively.
Reduce Long-term Treatment Costs
Making an annual appointment with the nearest clinic for a full body check-up can help reduce medical expenses in the long run. This happens as the cost of annual health check-ups is way lower than the cost of treating and managing a chronic illnesses at an advanced stage.
Improve Overall Wellness
Undergoing preventive health check-ups annually helps to track key health indicators regularly, improving not just physical but overall well-being.
10 Preventive Medical Tests Everyone Should Get Done Annually
Take a look at 10 preventive medical tests everyone should get done at least once a year:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
CBC or Complete Blood Count is a collection of blood tests that evaluate the size and number of different blood cells in the body. It is used to measure red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, haemoglobin, MCV or mean corpuscular volume, etc. CBC is used to identify medical conditions like:
2.Blood Sugar Test
Blood sugar test is used to measure the glucose or sugar levels in the blood. While high blood sugar levels can indicate prediabetes or diabetes, low sugar levels can be caused by diabetes medicines. Besides diabetes, uncontrolled levels of blood sugar can lead to:
- Heart diseases
- Seizures
- Brain damage
- Nerve problems
People diagnosed with blood sugar in their medical check-up can try the various diabetes treatment in India to manage the disease effectively.
3.Lipid Profile
Lipid profile is a blood test used to measure different types of lipids in the body, such as cholesterol and triglycerides. The test evaluates total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol and triglycerides. High levels of lipids in the body can suggest blockage of arteries and increase the risk of heart diseases and stroke.
4.Thyroid Function Test
Thyroid function test is used to evaluate how well the thyroid gland is working in the body. It is used to measure TSH or thyroid stimulating hormone, T3 and T4 levels in the body, along with thyroid antibodies. Thyroid function test can help indicate conditions like:
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hypothyroidism
- Hashimoto’s disease
- Grave’s disease
- Thyroid cancer
5.Liver Function Tests (LFT)
LFT or Liver Function Tests are blood tests used to assess how well the liver functions by measuring the levels of various substances, such as proteins, bilirubin, enzymes, etc. It involves liver enzymes test, total protein test, bilirubin test, Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) Test, Prothrombin Time (PT) test, etc. LFT is used to identify diseases like:
- Fatty liver disease
- Hepatitis
- Viral or toxic hepatitis
- Liver cirrhosis
- Liver cancer
6.Kidney Function Tests (KFT)
KFT or Kidney Function Tests are a combination of urine and blood tests that are used to check how well the kidneys are functioning. Apart from the urine test, it involves various blood tests, including Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine, estimated GFR, etc. KFT can be used to diagnose chronic kidney disease, or an infection, inflammation, or damage to the kidneys.
7.Electrocardiogram (ECG)
ECG or Electrocardiogram is used to record the heartbeat or the electrical activity of the heart. It may be used to identify the cause of chest pain or evaluate how well a cardiac treatment is working. ECG can help to diagnose:
- Irregular heartbeats or arrhythmias
- Heart attacks
- Signs of blockage or narrowed arteries
- Issues with heart valves
- Ischemia
- Enlarged heart chambers
- Congenital heart diseases
- Heart damage or failure
8.Vitamin Deficiency Tests
Vitamin Deficiency tests are used to measure the vitamin and micronutrient levels in the body. It evaluates the levels of Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Vitamin B9 (folic acid), iron, iodine, magnesium, zinc, etc. A deficiency of these vitamins and micronutrients can lead to:
- Anaemia
- Bone disorders
- Fatigue
- Blindness
- Poor immunity
9.Bone Density Test
Bone density test is an imaging test used to measure the calcium and mineral content in the bones. Also known as the DXA scan, it usually measures the bones in the spine, hip and sometimes forearms. A bone density test is used to screen for:
- Osteoporosis (especially in women over 40 years)
- Osteopenia
- Check the risk of fractures
Apart from annual health check-ups, people above 40 years should know how to prevent density loss and keep their bones strong.
Cancer Screening Tests
Cancer screening tests are used to check for the signs of cancer before the actual symptoms appear. It involves tests, such as mammography, pap smear, HPV test, virtual colonoscopy, helical computed tomography, PSA blood test, etc. Cancer screening tests are used to diagnose:
- Breast cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Colon cancer
- Lung cancer
- Oral cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Skin cancer
Summing It Up
Truth holds in the age-old saying health is wealth. No amount of money can hold value if someone is not healthy or battling a critical illness. Getting an annual health check-up is the best way to keep diseases at bay for most of our lives. Moreover, it can help diagnose diseases on time and aid in effective disease management. So, book an annual health check-up today and ensure a healthy and happy future.
