The recommendations regarding the frequency of routine checkups are always based on your risk factors like your lifestyle and diet
With a high incidence of sickness and diseases looming large across all age groups, it is absolutely important today to regularly visit your doctor for checkups. Routinely evaluating your risk factors for various medical conditions like cancer and assessing your lifestyle habits can help you stay healthy or get timely treatment.
According to doctors, the recommendations regarding the frequency of routine checkups are always based on your risk factors, like your lifestyle and diet, family history, and present health status. While there can be varying opinions, routine checkups with your doctor are generally recommended as follows:
- Every 1-2 years, if you are under the age of 45 years
- Once a year, when you turn 45
If you have any chronic illnesses like diabetes or heart disease, you must see the doctor based on your condition.
What is included in screenings and medical check-ups?
According to experts, in an annual checkup, apart from reviewing your past health history, your current health is also evaluated, and based on that, appropriate screening tests are recommended. For both men and women, a review and update includes:
- Your medical history
- Family history of diseases and illnesses
- List of medication and allergies
- List of vaccination
- Typically, doctors may ask you to be screened for:
- High blood pressure or hypertension
- Obesity
- Tobacco usage
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Alcohol and drug use
- Depression and mental health issues
- HIV screenings
- Hepatitis C
- Type 2 diabetes
- Colorectal cancer after the age of 50
- Lung cancer if you are a smoker
Additional screening tests for women include:
- Mammogram for breast cancer between ages 50 and 74 years
- Pap smear for cervical cancer screening, between ages 21 and 65 years
- Cholesterol screening
- Screening for osteoporosis
Ways to prepare for a check-up
If you have formed a good relationship with your doctor, you can be advised on how to lead a healthy lifestyle, and how to avoid those things which are hazardous to your health. This is especially important when you have an existing medical condition, and your doctor can provide sound advice on how to manage it and hopefully overcome it as well. A few ways you can prepare for a physical exam include:
- Always carry your medical information along with your insurance card, old records, and vaccination history.
- Make sure your medication list is up-to-date and includes vitamins, supplements, over-the-counter medications, and herbal remedies that you are taking.
- Always make a list of symptoms, allergies, or medication reactions you have had since your last visit.
