The 10 regular health checks you really do need.

Image via iStock. 

Most of you reading this probably own a car. If you do, you more than likely take it in for a service each year, to ensure it’s safe and road worthy. But what about your own body? Are you looking after yourself just as well?

No matter your age, it’s a good idea to get into the habit of regular health checks. Life is busy and health checks often fall way down on the list of things to do after work, family commitments and a social life. But if you want a long, happy life, staying on top of your health is important. If something is found, early detection is the key to successful treatment.

Make 2015 the year you start regular health checks and keep it up! Pick a date on the calendar and schedule it in. Perhaps near Valentine’s Day (love yourself!) or your birthday. It doesn’t matter when, as long as you remember and don’t let it fall off your radar.

Don’t know where to start? Here’s an idea of what you need to do.

First, see your GP

If you don’t have good relationship with your GP, now is the time to make one. Call their office and tell them you want to have an annual check up. The office manager may schedule a slightly longer appointment so you have time to go over everything.

Be sure to go in well versed on your family history. You should know if one of your siblings, parents or grandparents has been diagnosed with cancer of the colon, breast, skin or prostate, heart disease or any other type of disease and at what age they were diagnosed.

Self-checks and other tests…

No matter your age, there are a few self-checks you should do regularly. Plus, staying on top of your oral health and vision is vital if you want them to last well into your old age! Here's what you need to do:

Skin: check your skin for unusual moles or freckles every three months. If something arises, see your GP. They may refer you to a dermatologist.

Breasts: ladies check your breasts monthly for any unusual lumps, bumps or red marks. Get to know how they feel throughout the month so you can distinguish what’s normal and what’s not.

Teeth: See your dentist regularly. Be sure they check for oral cancer – you’ll know if they wrap your tongue in gauze and move it around for a good look. They will also give your teeth the kind of clean you just can't achieve at home. This makes a massive difference in preventing problems before they start.

Eyes: from the age of 40 you should be having a regular eye test. An optometrist can screen for glaucoma, a serious condition involving fluid build up behind the eye. Having a family history of the disease, or having diabetes or high blood pressure increases your risk. If you’re between 50 and 65 you should have a general eye exam every two years and over 65 you should have an annual test. (Post continues after gallery.)

 Important Screening Tests

Depending on your age and personal risk factors there are a number of screening tests you may need to have. Keep in mind that although some of these tests may be uncomfortable, they do dramatically increase your chance of early detection, which is vital for long term survival outcomes.

Pap tests

All sexually active women should have a Pap Test every two years until they’re 70 years old. This can be done by your GP. Even girls who have been vaccinated for HPV should have a Pap test. If you are at an increased risk for cervical cancer, you may need tests more regularly. Chat with your GP.

STI screening

Testing for sexually transmitted diseases is often the only way to find out if you have one. Chlamydia, for example, is very common and doesn’t always have symptoms, yet it can have drastic effects on a woman’s fertility if left untreated. The test for chlamydia is a simple urine test. Talk to your GP about all kinds of STI testing.

Mammograms

Whether or not you need a mammogram depends on your age as well as your personal and family history of breast cancer. With no history of breast cancer, women between the age of 50 and 70 should be tested every two years. If you do have a history of breast cancer in your family, talk to your doctor about when and how often you should be screened.

It’s always safe to start regular screening at least 15 years before the first onset of the disease in your family. Annual screening may be recommended. Talk to your GP.

Heart Disease

If you have any risk factors for heart disease or if heart disease is common in your family, the following tests may be required:
Blood pressure:  your GP can easily and quickly test your blood pressure at any visit. If you have no family or personal history of high blood pressure, stroke or heart disease, you only need to be tested every two years.

Blood tests:  it’s smart to have your cholesterol profiles and blood triglyceride level analysed from time to time. Getting a test in your late 30s will give you a baseline. High levels may mean you’re at increased risk of heart problems.

Once you’re over 45, you should have these tests done every two years and even more frequently as you age. If you’re at high risk of cardiovascular disease, you should be tested annually. Newer tests are much more accurate in predicting risk - ask your doctor for more advanced testing including for small LDL particles.

Obesity test – Being overweight increases your risk of heart disease. Your doctor can help you determine your Body Mass Index (BMI), but also your waist circumference which is a better indicator of risk than BMI. If you need help to lose body fat I'm here to help! Check out Get Lean of course :)

Diabetes

With more and more people being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, it’s important to know your risk factors and get tested if you’re at risk. Risk factors include:

· Being overweight and older than 45
· Having had gestational diabetes during a pregnancy
· Having a diagnosis of PCOS
· Having a family history of diabetes
· Being an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander woman over age 35
· Belonging to certain ethnic groups such a Pacific Islander or Sri Lankan

The test for diabetes you doctor will test your blood glucose level after fasting overnight. They may also then send you to a clinic to complete a 2-hour glucose tolerance test. This involves drinking a glass of glucose in water and having your bloods checked for the next couple of hours to see how your body responds and copes with removing the glucose from the bloodstream and into tissues around the body ready to be used as fuel. You can also do the government's online risk assessment - you'll find more information here.

How you’re tested for bowel cancer depends on your family history. With no family history, a woman or man over 50 should have a FOBT (Faecal occult blood test) every two years. However, if you do have a family history of the disease you may need to start testing earlier and with a colonoscopy. Talk to your GP about what’s best for you.

Bone test

Testing your bone density will help to determine if you’re at risk of osteoporosis. Menopause is a risk factor for osteoporosis as the hormone changes at this time cause a loss of mineral from bones. If you're peri-menopausal or already post-menopause you’re at risk and it's worthwhile having a bone density test (called a DEXA scan).

Other risk factors include having a family history of the disease, having a thin build, being over 70, and having a long time between your periods when you’re younger. Talk to your doctor whether you need a test and what you can do to strengthen your bones.

I know it can seem overwhelming – there are a lot of tests to be aware of. But whether or not you need a test is easily determined by a visit to your local GP. Don’t put it off! Your health is worth more than that and your long, healthy life depends on it.

How often do you get a health check?

This post originally appeared on Dr. Joanna. You can read the original post here. For more nutritional advice, follow Dr. Joanna McMillan on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.