As we get older, it becomes more and more important to do health checks. Our immune system starts to weaken, alongside our mental faculties. This means that we are much more susceptible to illnesses and diseases. With this being the case, it is imperative for people over the age of 50 to have regular health checks done to detect any problems early on before it’s too late.
But health checks are the most important, and how do I access them? This blog post will explain four essential screening tests to ensure good health. These include
- Cholesterol Checks
- Cardiovascular Disease Checks
- Bowel Examinations
- Skin Checks
However, there are many other health checks, such as dental care, that you can access. For more information on how to screen your health effectively, talk to your local health practitioner.
1. Cholesterol Checks
Cholesterol is a fatty material found in the blood. It carries out essential functions such as building cell membranes and hormones, but it can also indicate health issues when present at high levels.
High cholesterol levels can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke and other health problems, so it’s important to get checked regularly. You can access this service through your local GP or health clinic.
The best way to check your cholesterol levels is through a fasting lipid profile which measures how much of each type of fat you have in your bloodstream, including cholesterol. This test should be done at least every five years and is a simple blood test that only requires fasting for 12 hours before the sample is taken.
2. Cardiovascular Disease Checks
Heart and cardiovascular disease are among the leading causes of death in America. One way to detect cardiovascular disease early is by doing a standard blood pressure test. Blood pressure checks should be done every year if you are over 60. However, you can screen your blood pressure more regularly if you have a family history of cardiovascular disease. The simple test involves checking your heart rate and ensuring there are no irregularities in your beats per minute (BPM).
A cardiovascular health check will also test for other risk factors such as diabetes and high cholesterol levels. If you have any of these conditions, it puts you at a greater risk of developing heart disease, so it’s important to get checked regularly. You can access this service through your local GP or health clinic.
3. Bowel Examinations
Bowel examinations are important for the early detection of bowel cancer. This type of cancer is the second most common cancer in men and women combined, so it’s important to be vigilant about any changes in your bowel habits.
There are a few different ways to screen for bowel cancer, such as:
- Stool tests
- Flexible sigmoidoscopies
- Colonoscopies
A stool test is a simple way to check for blood in your stool, which could signify cancer. Meanwhile, flexible sigmoidoscopy is an examination that uses a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera at the end to look inside your rectum and lower bowel. Finally, colonoscopy is the most comprehensive examination as it uses a longer tube with a camera on end to view the entire large intestine. You can access this
All of these tests should be done every two years if you are over 50 or more frequently, depending on your age and family history. You can access these services through your local GP, health clinic or colonoscopy doctor at a gastrointestinal clinic.
4. Skin Checks
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in America. While it’s important for people to have glowing skin, it’s essential to get regular skin checks to detect any abnormalities early on when they are more treatable.
There are a few different ways to screen for skin cancer, including:
- Visual examination,
- Mole mapping
- Total body photography
A visual examination simply looks at your skin for any changes or new growths. Mole mapping is a photographic record of all your moles and skin lesions so that any changes can be tracked over time. Meanwhile, total body photography uses special lighting to take pictures of every inch of your skin. This method is most useful for people with lots of moles or dark skin tones.
Skin checks should be done at least once a year, and you can access these services through your local GP or skin clinic.
John Davis is a passionate content writer with a knack for crafting engaging narratives across various subjects. With a keen eye for detail and a love for storytelling, John brings ideas to life through the power of words. His dedication to delivering high-quality and informative content has made him a trusted voice in the digital realm. When he’s not at his desk, you’ll find John exploring new hobbies and seeking inspiration in the world around him.
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