The importance of regular medical check-ups

Most of us make a visit to the doctor’s office only when we have a medical problem. While we certainly should not ignore situations which require immediate attention, there is a growing trend toward practicing preventive medicine.  This refers to having regularly scheduled appointments, called check-ups or Medicals, for the purpose of keeping close tabs on one’s medical status.

Not all serious medical problems have symptoms in their early stages.  A medical test could detect something while it is still treatable or while the diagnosis is still favourable.  While most people immediately think of cancer, there are other serious problems that could be detected during a check up.  Getting a regular check up could make treating a problem much easier and could even save your life.

A Medical check up can help find warning signs for serious disorders.  For example, a check up may find that you have high cholesterol or blood pressure.  While these problems may not be serious themselves, without treatment they can cause an array of problems.  If these are found and treated, you could avoid them becoming more serious. 

Scheduling medical appointments when you're feeling fine may seem like a waste of your time. But the old saying 'prevention is better than cure' is very true. Regular medical check-ups will pick up any potential problems, allowing you to take steps in either preventing them or beginning early treatment. Many large corporations insist that their executives have a full medical examination every year. If your company does not do this, take the initiative yourself.

What should be included in a full medical examination?

Your health care provider may refer you to a specialist physician for your examination. A typical medical for both men and women will include:

1. Your medical history

2. Vital statistics (height, weight (BMI), blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate)

3. Routine blood and urine tests to check for things like cholesterol and blood sugar levels

4. Skin examination to check for suspicious moles or growths

5. Eye examination to check vision, exposed blood vessels and the condition of the retina

6. Ear examination to check for infection and wax build-up

7. Heart examination to check heart rate, possibly an ECG (Electrocardiogram) to check for heart defects

8. Abdominal examination to check liver and spleen size, feel and listen to the bowel

9. Neck examination to listen for bruits (abnormal noises), blood flow and to check the thyroid gland

10. Lymph node check for abnormal swelling and tenderness

11. Checking nerve reflexes by tapping the knees, ankles and other points

12. Stool test for hidden (occult) blood

13. Breathing test to check lung capacity which can be affected by smoking, asthma or other conditions

14. Possible chest X-ray, depending upon circumstances (for example, smoking or history of heart or lung disease)

There are some specific tests for men and some for women.

Tests for men

Prostate examination
These are tests to check for signs of prostate cancer. There are two common tests: the PSA blood test - measures a protein (PSA) made by prostate cells. The higher the PSA level, the more likely the chance of prostate cancer; digital rectal exam (DRE) - the health care provider inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the man's rectum to feel for any irregular or abnormally firm area that might be cancer. While it is uncomfortable, the examination isn't painful and takes only a short time.

Testicular examination
These are tests to check for abnormal swellings which may be a sign of testicular cancer. Cancer of the testicles is rare and occurs mostly in men under the age of 40.

Test for women

Breast cancer screening
A test to detect possible tumors is done by mammography: a mammogram is an X-ray of the breasts which shows lumps and growths. Radiologists recommend a mammogram every two years from the age of 50 years. A lot will depend on your circumstances, for example whether you have a family history of breast cancer.

Pap smear
A test to detect early signs of cancer of the cervix involves taking a minute scraping of tissue from the surface of the cervix with a spatula. The sample of cells is then analyzed microscopically at a laboratory to detect any abnormal cells which may be pre-cancerous.

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