Over the years, doctors have stressed the need for people to have regular medical check-ups to monitor their health. Regular screening by a specialist quarterly, twice, or annually should not be a daunting exercise. On the contrary, these can help an individual detect their risk of potential ailments for early treatments. A report by The Guardian suggests that between 50-80% of cardiovascular disease is preventable with early checks. With that said, these four checks should always feature on your medical to-do list.
- Breast cancer
Medical specialists concur that having regular breast screening is valuable in detecting breast cancer early and offers a better chance of survival. This means you are also less likely to undergo a mastectomy (removing the breast issues to treat cancer). However, chemotherapy will come as the best treatment if the cancer cells are detected early. Studies have shown that breast cancer treatment and the survival rate has improved substantially in the last four decades in the UK; about 600,000 individuals remain alive after early diagnosis, with the figure expected to rise to 1.2 million by 2030.
- Check your heart rate
Your resting pulse before anything else gives a sign of your overall health. The regularity of your heart rate depends on your age and fitness level. Get familiar with your normal heartbeat by checking every morning for seven days. Thankfully, technological innovations have presented everyday gadgets like smartphone applications, wellness trackers, or pulse screens for this purpose. A difference in 10 beats for every moment (bpm) or more may mean you are run down. Over 100 bpm could mean you are dehydrated, stressed, sick, or excited. Consult a specialist if you need expert advice on the matter.
- Oral check-up
Frequently visiting the dentist is significant in maintaining healthy teeth and gums. During the dental examination, the specialist will check your general oral health for any areas that may require attention. A clean-up by your dental specialist will eliminate any tartar development and plaque and also clean your teeth thoroughly. In general, you should undergo a dental examination or check-up at least once a year, especially for those at increased risk. You can visit this website for more information on all your oral health-related issues.
- Blood pressure
Persons with high blood pressure are at significant risk of developing a heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and heart failure. Most of these health conditions strike with no indications or warnings; therefore, it is essential to have your blood pressure regularly checked. Fortunately, this is an exercise that can be carried out at home without necessarily visiting the hospital. Blood pressure monitors are easy to use. Ensure you are in a calm climate when you do the test. Blood pressure between 90/60 and 120/80 mmHg in adults is regarded as usual. Anything higher means you must engage in activities like cutting back on your alcohol and salt intake while adopting healthy eating and an active lifestyle.
The famous saying “your health is wealth” is a significant indication of how important your health is. Just as you protect your finances, your health deserves such premium treatment to improve your quality of life.
