Mostly people only visit the doctor when they are injured or sick. But do you know the importance of preventive care and regular checkups?
If we keep a check on our body even in our healthy days. we can reduce the chances of disease and can also manage it effectively.
Because prevention is always better than the cure.
At Main Street Medical Centre, we know the importance of wellness checkups in maintaining your health. We will guide you through the procedure of a routine health exam. So, you can be prepared and know what to expect in it.
Let’s get started.
What Does a General Health Check-Up Include?
A wellness checkup, also called a full medical checkup, is the complete assessment of your overall health. It helps in identifying early symptoms, risk factors and disease patterns in the body. So, any anomaly can be detected in its early stages and treatment becomes easier.
It also makes you aware of your health status and encourages you to take preventive steps and avoid serious issues. Only a certified general practitioner should be considered for your health exam to get a quality procedure.
During a regular health check, your doctor will review your medical history and current health status. He can also suggest some diagnostic tests according to your age, gender and medical background.
A typical wellness checkup includes:
1. Vital Measurement
First of all, your GP will collect all your demographic data and measure the vital signs including:
- BMI (Weight to height ratio)
- Body temperature
- Blood pressure
- Oxygen saturation
- Pulse rate
- Respiratory rate
They will help in ruling out any abnormality and assess the potential risk factors.
2. Medical History
After vitals, your doctor will review the complete record of diseases, injuries and medical procedures. He will ask you some important questions to find out the following types of histories.
- Disease history
- Surgical history
- Family history
- Social History
- History of vaccinations e.g. covid, flu, hepatitis etc.
3. Physical Examination
A GP will conduct a complete inspection of your body through observation and palpation (touching). All systems will be assessed for their respective functions. E.g.
- Skin examination for any inflammation or redness
- Body symmetry & posture
- Hair, nails & cavities examination
- Heart auscultations
- Lung auscultation and breathing movements
- Reflexes and motor function
- Neurological functions e.g. balance & gait exam.
4. Blood Work
In light of history and examination, GP will recommend appropriate tests and blood work to you. They help in clear assessment and detection the abnormalities. The routine tests included in a full medical checkup are:
- Complete blood picture (CP)
- Blood Sugar
- Blood cholesterol
- Liver functional tests (LFTs)
- Kidney function tests (RFTs).
5. Screenings & Diagnostic Tests
If your doctor has detected any abnormality during examination or in test results. He will arrange disease-specific screening tests to confirm his findings.
There are a number of screening procedures depending on your clinical picture and suspected disease. Other factors like age, gender and medical history also helps in this decision.
6. Lifestyle and Dietary Advice
According to your family history and potential risks, some modifications in your lifestyle will be suggested. The doctor will also make a diet chart and activity schedule for you in order to reduce the risk.
In case of any ongoing congenital disease, regular health checks will also help in tracking the disease pattern. So that guidelines for effective management can be provided.
7. Referral
After the complete health exam, an appropriate referral is made by the general practitioner. If he diagnoses any disease in the procedure, he will refer you to the relevant specialised care. So, timely measures can be taken to treat and manage the condition.
Regular Health Checks for Women
Women have unique healthcare needs, so they need some additional measures along with routine procedures. These additional wellness checkups target women-specific health problems. So, a timely intervention can be suggested for them.
Women should regularly schedule:
- Breast Exam
A regular breast exam is essential to detect any abnormal mass or lump. As they can indicate the presence of breast cancer or tumour condition.
The doctor will also check for the lymph nodes in your underarms to detect any visual or palpable abnormality.
- Mammograms
Mammograms are also used to diagnose breast cancer in early stages. Detection of any abnormal mass can lead your practitioner to advise a mammogram.
In case of family history of breast cancer or over 40 age, yearly mammogram is suggested.
- Pelvic Exam
The pelvic exam includes the inspection of vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus and ovaries. It helps in ruling out ovarian cysts, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), Uterus cancers etc.
- Pap Smears and HPV Tests
Along with a pelvic exam, pap smear and HPV tests are also essential for screening of cervical cancer in its early stages.
A pap smear test will collect cervical cells to detect abnormal growth in them. While HPV tests check for the virus responsible for cervical cancer.
- Bone Density Tests
A large population of women are fighting osteoporosis and osteomalacia (bone-weakening conditions).
A timely diagnosis through bone density test can help in management of these conditions through nutrition, supplements or other treatment protocols.
- Reproductive Health Consultations
Annual Health Checkup also helps in educating the women regarding their menstrual and reproductive health.
It addresses their concerns related to menstruation, fertility, pregnancy, family planning, contraception, and menopause.
Also Read: Antenatal Care During Your Pregnancy | Definitive Guide
Regular Health Checks for Men
Not only women but men also need some specialised wellness checkups for men for detecting their gender-specific conditions.
Some of the common screenings for men include:
- Prostate Exam
The most important wellness exam for men is prostate cancer screening. A mandatory prostate exam is recommended for every man above 50yrs.
In prostate screening, blood PSA test is done to rule out the presence of cancer-causing antigen in blood.
- Testicular Exams
Other than prostate cancer, men ae also at risk of several testicular tumours and reproductive tract problems.
Their health exam should include a testicular exam to check for any lumps or abnormalities.
- Cardiovascular Health Screenings
According to various research data, men are more prone to heart problems than women. So, they should focus more on cardiac screening measures. E.g. Blood pressure checks, cholesterol tests, etc.
Wellness Checkups for Children
Children also need some specific wellness checkups seeing the unique needs of their growing body. These visits are opportunities to monitor their growth and development patterns. They also guide about the required nutritional and behaviour changes.
But paediatric health exam requires extra care and skills as they can get scared of doctors. Only a certified and experienced practitioner or a child specialist should be chosen for it.
A Paediatric full medical checkup includes:
- Growth and Development Assessments
Full body health checkup checks the developmental milestones in children to assess any potential health concerns.
The doctor will note that height, weight, and functional abilities of child are following the normal development patterns.
- Vaccination Record
Infants and children are required to follow the vaccination schedule suggested by paediatric care. Regular checkups will help in keeping a record of them.
- Vision and Hearing Screenings
A complete health and wellness check at early age also helps in timely screening of special sensations. E.g. vision and hearing abilities.
Early detection of any sensory impairment can streamline the treatment procedure.
- Behaviour and Mental Health Evaluation
Mental health is most crucial factor of growing age. Health exams should include the mental screening to timely manage any concerns. E.g. anxiety, depression, autism, or learning disabilities.
Wellness Checkups for Older Adults
As we age, our body needs and health patterns change. These ageing changes also require for specific wellness checkups for older adults.
The body of older adults is going through wear and tear and at increased risk of various diseases. E.g. osteoporosis, heart disease, cancer, dementia and depression.
Full medical checkup of geriatric population should involve following screening tests.
- Activity Record
There should be a proper record of the activity levels and behaviour patterns of older adults. It will help in assessment of their physical, psychological and social functioning.
- Balance & Gait Tests
Proper assessment of their balance and gait are also essential for taking timely measures and preventing fall incidents. The appropriate balance and gait aids are suggested on the basis of test results.
- Cognition and Memory
Basic neurological functions like memory and cognition deteriorate with age. So, it is important to keep track of cognitive levels in older adults. It also helps in diagnosis of conditions like dementia.
- Nutrition Assessment
Regular health checks also analyse the nutritive needs and diet components of older adults. So, the GP can suggest the changes required in it.
- Mood and Mental Health
Just like children, older adults are also at increased risk or mental health problems. So, regular screenings are mandatory to check their mental health status, depression, anxiety, etc.
- Management of Chronic Conditions
Old age comes with many types of ongoing diseases and continuous management. Health practitioner will keep a check on management procedures through routine checkups. He will also educate them to maintain their independence and quality of life.
Also Read: What Is a Geriatric Doctor and What Do They Do?
What to Do When Going for a Regular Wellness Exam
If you go for your medical checkup fully prepared, the process will be smoother for you. And you can get the maximum benefits out of it.
Here’s what you should do:
- Make a list of all medications and supplements you take regularly. Also, take all the medical records and relevant documents with you.
- Always remember to share the health issues and common diseases in your family with your practitioner.
- Write Down the important questions or concerns you want to discuss with the doctor. Because memory can deceive you.
- Ask your GP about any fasting requirements before a specific test procedure. Follow the guidelines strictly.
- During the checkup, make sure to be involved and cooperate properly. Ask questions, discuss your results, and listen carefully.
Are you due for your next wellness checkup?
Make an Appointment at Main Street Medical Centre
Don’t wait for the sickness to think about your health.
At Main Street Medical Centre, we offer a wide range of health services to keep you fit and healthy. Our team of experienced GPs provides you with full medical checkups to assess your health trends.
Schedule your Annual Health Check Up and take the next step towards better health.
Contact us to get expert advice.
