Taking care of ourselves is one of the most important things we should do. In order to live a happy and productive life, we need to ensure that we are healthy and in good shape. While it’s easy to forget about health checks, you should aim to attend them at least once a year so that you are aware of any arising issues.
In this article, we are going to talk about the different health checks that you should be getting annually. Interested? Then let’s get started!
Dental check
Our teeth and gums are one of the most vital parts of us. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to eat correctly! A dental check is recommended every six months; however, if you take extremely good care of your yourself, brushing and flossing regularly, you might be able to make it once a year.
At a general check-up, the dentist will observe the state of your current oral health by checking for holes and plaque build-up. They also may clean your teeth to finish off the appointment. If a problem has been noted, they will then recommend the next course of action. This could be surgery, whitening, or even simply filling a hole. Take a look at this General Family Dentistry to see the type of services that an establishment may offer.
Eye examination
While most of us start off our lives with 20/20 vision, chances are we will end up needing glasses later on in life, whether it be for short or long distance. Getting an eye examination by an optometrist every year ensures that your eyes are in correct working order and free of any diseases. Some of which include cataracts, keratoconus, refractive errors, glaucoma, floaters, and presbyopia.
Most eye conditions can go unnoticed for a very long time, as the individual gets used to their vision. The only way to know for sure is to get a check-up, which involves a sight test and an eye exam. Without this, you won’t be able to prevent vision loss. You may need glasses, you may not, but it’s better to be sure.
Hearing check
Hearing health is vital for all ages, so it’s important that you get a check-up no matter how old you are. While you should always book a test if you are noticing any changes, a yearly one is recommended as a guide. A specialist will identify any issues which might be causing your hearing loss and diagnose any potential conditions that you may have. In some cases, you may even be able to prevent further loss.
If you find yourself asking people to repeat themselves or are having to put your speakers on full volume, it’s a good indicator that you should book in for an appointment. Some of the most common types of hearing loss include:
- Conductive hearing loss: Result of obstructions such as earwax, fluid, or tumors.
- Sensorineural hearing loss: Result of damage to the inner ear nerves and hair cells. This could be due to noise damage or age.
- Mixed hearing loss: A combination of both of the above.
Vaccinations
Every single person should get vaccinations. It’s one of the most effective ways to prevent certain diseases and infections and is vital in eliminating some conditions altogether. While there are some immunizations that you only need to get once, others need to be administered multiple times. One of the most common, being the seasonal flu shot.
Some other vaccinations that are necessary for adults include Tdap (Tetanus, Diptheria, and Pertussis), Td (Tetanus and Diptheria), shingles, and pneumococcal disease. Most others should be covered when you were a child; however, you can check this with your healthcare provider. It’s also important to note that not all people can get vaccinations due to other health conditions.
General check-up
Obviously, one of the most essential check-ups to get is your yearly general health check-up. This is vital in identifying early signs of conditions so that your chances of effective treatment are increased. While some people need physicals more than others, once a year is recommended for most. It’s essential to be honest at your appointment so that you can get the best diagnosis possible.
The first thing your doctor or GP will usually talk with you about is your lifestyle. They will provide advice on maintaining a balanced diet and exercise, alongside any other information about healthy living. After this, they will do a few tests, like checking your blood pressure and blood sugar levels. They may also recommend a blood test if you aren’t feeling 100%.
After they have done their basic checks, they may also recommend a series of other tests. This could include an electrocardiogram, obesity test, sti check, and breast cancer screening.
Self-checks
Finally, one thing that everyone should be doing each year, multiple times, is self-checks. Nobody knows more about how you are feeling than yourself. You want to make sure that you are in the best state possible, both physically and mentally.
On the physical side, make sure that you check your body once a month for any lumps, bumps, or unusual moles and freckles. You should also keep an eye on your weight, diet, and physical activity. If there are any changes, it could be the result of an underlying health condition.
Mental health is often overlooked, but it is also just as important. Make sure you check in with yourself and acknowledge your own feelings. If you are showing signs of anxiety, stress, or depression, reach out and talk to your GP. It’s important to know that you are not alone and that there is nothing to be ashamed of.
By making sure that you attend all of these health-checks above, you can ensure that your body is in the best shape possible and identify any possible health conditions. In most cases, the earlier you catch something, the better.
It’s also vital that you know you don’t have to stick to a yearly attendance. If something isn’t right, go ahead and book an appointment. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
