Good health can work wonders for your life. A body and mind functioning to their maximum potential without any hiccups can be an indomitable force. You can seamlessly work towards the goals you set out for the day. When there are no body aches or medical constraints gnawing at the back of your mind, you can focus on the task at hand. But staying on top of your health concerns is not the easiest thing in the world. There’s a lot to track and plenty of variables at play.
Regular health checkups can make your life easier. Going to the doctor once in a while can nip any major concerns in the bud at the earlier stages. How frequent, you may ask? It all depends on the age, gender, and medical history. But as a general rule, certain screenings and exams should be done every year to keep your health on track. These are essential to track issues that could significantly affect your quality of life.
These routine checkups are typically performed or coordinated by your primary care provider, who could be a physician or a registered nurse. Both are trained to assess your health and guide you on preventive care. Many advanced practice nurses also complete specialized education through direct entry MSN programs that give them the necessary clinical skills and knowledge to provide comprehensive patient-centered care. In this article, we will take a look at the various medical tests and screenings that one should undergo annually:
1. BMI
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a helpful indicator for determining whether you are in optimal shape, overweight, or underweight. The ideal range is usually a score between 18.5 to 24.9. This is important as being either over- or underweight can have health complications. Being overweight can increase your risk for issues like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and joint problems, while being underweight may be an indicator of nutrient deficiencies, weakened immunity, and bone loss. Americans are struggling with an overweight epidemic, with more than 25 million adults considered to be overweight.
2. Blood Pressure
Simply put, a blood pressure test measures how much force your blood exerts against the artery walls while flowing. It is considered to be a solid indicator of your cardiovascular health. Dubbed the ‘silent killer’, high blood pressure is often seen as a precursor to heart attacks, stroke, and even kidney disease. A healthy person would have a reading of less than 120/80 mm Hg.
3. Blood Sugar Test
Measuring the level of sugars in your blood, this test is a great indicator of diabetes, which is increasingly common in the US. If you are someone who is overweight or has high blood pressure, you are expected to take this test more frequently. This is important, as type-2 diabetes can lead to heart disease, kidney failure, vision loss, and even nerve damage.
4. Bone Density Scan
Using a DXA, doctors can gauge the strength and thickness of your bones. This is a reliable way to detect osteoporosis, a condition that has no visible symptoms until a bone breaks. Osteoporosis can make your bones weak and brittle and more susceptible to fractures. This test is usually a must for older adults.
5. Dental Checkup
Oral health can have a huge impact on overall well-being. Routine dental checkups can enable the timely detection of cavities, gum diseases, and other common dental issues. Poor oral health can often lead to other major issues like diabetes, respiratory infection, heart disease, and even low birth weight in babies.
6. Colorectal Cancer Screening
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Thanks to medical progress, it is also the most treatable. Early detection can significantly reduce the risk of dying from cancer. Because of its undetectable symptoms, screening through tests like colonoscopy can detect it in time.
7. Vision Exam
Vision issues tend to develop very slowly and gradually, so noticing them right away can be difficult. Routine eye checkups can not only detect common ailments like farsightedness or nearsightedness, but also uncover eye diseases like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts.
While your specific needs will invariably depend on factors like your age, gender, medical history, and lifestyle, this checklist offers a decent foundation for staying on top of your health. These tests will ensure that you can detect life-altering issues at an earlier stage before they severely impact your quality of life.
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