Importance of regular health check-ups - II

Dr Th Dhabali Singh *

Health Camp at Churachandpur on 17th April, 2015 :: Pix - James Kh

Health is Wealth; we all have known this from our school days, but how many of us have actually given importance and emphasis on this philosophy. Yes, many individuals these days have joined fitness centers, goes for walks, jogging and partake in other forms of exercise. This is a good trend, agreed.

World Health Organization (WHO) states that physical activity includes leisure time physical activity (for example: walking, dancing, gardening, hiking, swimming), transportation (e.g. walking or cycling), occupational (i.e. work), household chores, play, games, sports or planned exercise, in the context of daily, family, and community activities.

In order to improve cardio-respiratory and muscular fitness, bone health, reduce the risk of NCDs and depression. These recommendations are relevant to all healthy adults aged 18–64 years unless specific medical conditions indicate to the contrary.

Now, the question here is – do physical activities prevent illness? Exercises are known to boost the immune system and are beneficial for our well-being as any form of vigorous activity strengthens our joints and builds muscle endurance, size and strength.

That being said, we should be on the lookout for status indicators in our health through routine medical reviews. The 21st century has brought many forms of illnesses and to tackle these we have to be a step ahead.

Preventive Health Check-Up – Need of the hour

Prevention is better than cure, another philosophy that we fail to accommodate or assimilate in our lives most of the time. Going to a doctor is not many people like doing. Adding to that, medical care can be very expensive and a huge burden to many individuals.

Regular preventive health check-ups can detect any debilitating conditionand diagnose fatal diseases in the early stages.

Even healthy people get sick and are at health risk and should annually undergo health check tests, particularly if:

a) individuals indulge in smoking;
b) drink alcoholic beverages;
c) are not physically active or do not exercise;
d) the family has a history of heart diseases, diabetes or cancer and
e) if the individual hasn’t had a check-up done in a long time.

Common Investigations in a regular health check –

1. General physical examination (body weight, blood pressure, pulse rate, height etc.)

2. Laboratory investigations –

a) Complete Haemogram: It is a panel of tests to examine different components of blood and used as a broad screening test for such disorders as anemia, infection and many other diseases.

b) Lipid Profile: To assess the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.

c) Liver Function Test: To assess the functioning of the liver and related diseases.

d) Kidney Function Test: Used to evaluate how well the kidneys are functioning and diagnosis of kidney diseases.

e) Blood Sugar: To determine the amount of glucose in the blood.

f) Chest X-Ray: To examine and to diagnose conditions affecting the organs and nearby structures of the chest.

g) ECG/Treadmill Test: To measure the rate and regularity of heartbeats and for assessing cardiac stress.

h) Ultrasonography of the abdomen: Diagnostic imaging technique used for visualizing organs and structures in the abdomen including liver, gall bladder, spleen, pancreas and kidneys.

i. Urine Routine Examination: Used for general evaluation of health, metabolic or systematic diseases.

Preventive health check-up saves you from a lot of inconvenience and stress. These check-ups will help identify potential health risk if any. They also can help find problems early, when the chances for treatment and cure are higher.

So, take charge and schedule an appointment with a health care provider today. The wellness of yourself and your family is in your hands.