- Get checked for skin cancer.
- Never forget your eye health.
- Get a comprehensive blood test.
- Women must have breast exams.
- Oral healthcare is a must.
Are you taking your health seriously? Neglecting your annual health exams can seriously affect your overall well-being and quality of life. Taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental health is essential for good quality of life. Prevention is critical — detecting any potential issues early to minimize their impact on your life is better. You must book regular checkups with different healthcare professionals every year. Here are some of the most important ones.
1. Skin Cancer Screening
Skin cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer, and its incidence has been rising over the years due to excessive exposure to the sun. Therefore, it’s essential to have a specialized skin checkup once a year to detect any suspicious lesions or moles. During this exam, your doctor will inspect your entire body and look for any signs of skin cancer. This will help you determine if further testing or treatment is necessary.
2. Vision Checkup
Poor vision can lead to difficulty concentrating, headaches, fatigue, and even accidents. That’s why it’s essential to visit an optometrist annually and get a comprehensive visual examination that includes testing eye pressure, checking if there are any changes in your retina, assessing the health of your eyes, and more. Knowing your vision status will also help in the early detection of other eye diseases.
3. Comprehensive Blood Test
Regular blood tests are crucial to staying healthy — they can detect many issues, such as anemia, diabetes, and cardiovascular problems. During this exam, you’ll get your blood taken for tests that measure the levels of essential minerals and vitamins in your body, screen for infections or diseases, and give a general assessment of your overall health.
Here are some things that can be checked in a comprehensive blood test:
Platelet count
Some people may have platelet counts that are too high or too low. Platelets help your body form clots to stop bleeding, so it is essential to ensure they are within normal ranges. It can be dangerous if your platelet count is too low or too high.
Hemoglobin count
This test measures the amount of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout your body. An elevated or decreased hemoglobin level can indicate anemia, which nutritional deficiencies, chronic diseases, or other health disorders can cause. It is essential to know your hemoglobin level to treat any potential problems properly.
Cholesterol levels
High cholesterol can put you at risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and other related health issues. A comprehensive blood test will measure the amount of HDL (“good”) and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol in your body and provide your doctor with important information about your overall health. When left unchecked, it can lead to serious health complications.
White and red blood cell count
Knowing your white and red blood cell counts is essential to detect infections or abnormal cell growth. An elevated number of white blood cells can indicate a bacterial or viral infection, while an abnormally low number could indicate an underlying health condition. Always make sure to get tested for these regularly.
Blood sugar levels
Finally, a comprehensive blood test will also measure your glucose levels. High sugar levels can point to diabetes, a severe and potentially life-threatening health condition if left untreated. On the other hand, low sugar levels can also cause concern and should be addressed immediately. Thus, you must ensure your blood sugar stays within the normal range.
4. Breast Exam for Women
If you’re a woman, you should never forget to have annual checkups with your gynecologists to assess your reproductive health and look out for any possible signs of breast cancer. The doctor will palpate your breasts during the exam to detect any lumps or irregularities. If necessary, further imaging tests may be requested. In addition, women over 45 should get mammograms yearly, as most healthcare professionals recommend. This is because this type of cancer is often detected in the early stages, which can make a huge difference in curing it.
5. Oral Health Checkup
Taking care of your oral health is essential, which means visiting the dentist regularly. Your dentist will assess your teeth, gums, and tongue for issues such as cavities, gum disease, or other infections. Make an appointment with a reputable dental clinic to get the best possible care for your smile. Your dentist can also provide essential tips on taking care of your oral health at home.
Closing Thoughts
Your health is always important — so remember to have these five essential annual exams. By taking good care of yourself now, you can avoid many potential issues later in life. So make sure to add them to your calendar and take charge of your well-being!