Why Every Person Needs to Undergo Physical Check-ups Regularly
People visit the doctor for a number of reasons. More often than not, people usually schedule an appointment when there is already an ailment that needs diagnosis and treatment. Physical check-ups on a regular basis are not always on the priority list of busy working individuals. How often do you really need to undergo a health check-up and why is it necessary?
The practice has always been to undergo an annual physical examination. Many people who are employed have this as a mandatory company requirement. Nonetheless, certain circumstances may call for more frequent visits to the doctor. Medical practitioners feel that for someone who is young and healthy, it may be sufficient to undergo an executive check-up once every five years. For older individuals over the age of 40, especially those with pre-existing medical conditions, a yearly check-up is sufficient unless otherwise recommended by a doctor.
Purpose of a physical check-up
One of the main reasons why people undergo physical examinations is to prevent health conditions. Periodic health monitoring and early diagnosis are always the best ways to prevent health conditions from getting worse.
Check-ups also help your doctor monitor your health and counsel you in case you need to make lifestyle changes such as modifying your diet or stopping certain vices such as smoking and drinking. Physical check-ups from private GPs – London clinics provide many options – also help doctors identify potential health risks that may develop into a chronic illness. It is also the best way to diagnose illnesses that have no outward symptoms.
Preventing illnesses
Since one of the primary reasons why check-ups are necessary is to prevent diseases, it is important to take a closer look at how periodic physical exams can help an individual live a healthier life.
There are many preventable diseases and through early prevention, there is no need for a person to suffer these ailments. For example, part of a physical exam is to intervene against diseases that can be prevented through vaccination. Some examples include measles and polio.
Another level of preventive care done through physical exams is to identify risks that may lead to certain health conditions. Through a physical exam, you can monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol level to prevent stroke. For individuals with a high risk of developing cancer, you can also go through regular cancer screening to check for any developing abnormalities within the body.
The last level of preventive care done through a physical examination is to help a person minimise the effects of a disease once it is already diagnosed. A person who has already suffered a stroke will have to stick to a health management plan in order to prevent another incident. The doctor may recommend consistent medication along with some changes to their lifestyle.
Taking care of your health should always be a priority. As you get older, you need to make sure that you are setting aside some time each year to visit your doctor for a regular health check-up. Keeping yourself in tip-top health guarantees a better quality of life.
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