Health screenings are tests undergone by patients to assess their health status.

Depending on the facility or hospital, basic health screening packages may include a clinical examination, cardiology assessment, respiratory assessment, nutritional assessment, imaging tests, and lab investigations. The cardinal parameters often assessed in health screening packages are:

• Blood cholesterol level
• Blood sugar level
• Blood pressure
• Weight
• General condition of the heart

Frequency of Health Screening

Many people often wonder if health screenings should be done annually. Generally, most doctors agree that if there aren’t any problems detected or worrying symptoms, one health screening every 2 to 3 years is sufficient.

As for individuals above the age of 40, health screening should be done at least once a year. The age requirement may be lower for those with familial histories of diabetes, cancers, or heart problems.

However, if a person shows signs of increasing blood sugar levels, essentially pre-diabetes, a doctor may ask the patient to come back for a subsequent health screening in 6 to 12 months.

Benefits of Health Screening

Being in control and aware of these parameters through health screening allows a person to understand their current and possibly future health status. Health screening can be very helpful in these ways:

• Early detection of diseases and medical conditions.
• Monitoring of risk factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar.
• Improved chances of successful treatment and management with timely medical intervention.
• Peace of mind and reduced anxiety through regular health check-ups.
• Empowerment to make informed decisions about lifestyle changes and healthcare options.
• Potential cost savings by avoiding expensive medical treatments for advanced diseases.

If you are looking to undergo a proper health screening, you should first find out more information about the health screening packages provided by a particular facility or healthcare institution.

Normally, once the test results are out, the doctor will go through the results with you to identify actual and potential problems and refer you to appropriate specialists if necessary.

Health screening is not a treatment tool but an assessment mechanism that provides a critique of a person’s health status. It allows doctors and patients to move towards a preventive approach in keeping major illnesses at bay.

Be sure to undergo regular health check-ups for better health!