Have you returned from your summer holiday? Perhaps it’s time to check on your health status?
The period after holidays is ideal for our annual check-up, as summer – beyond rest and carefree living – is also associated with dietary excesses, alcohol and other harmful habits. We can check the condition of our body and take our measures with preventive check-ups, which are the “key” to early diagnosis of many diseases.
General Blood and Urine Tests
Blood tests help identify certain diseases, check organ function and determine how well current treatments are working. The complete blood test is the most common examination in a routine preventive check. This test measures many different elements of our blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.
Urinalysis is a simple test that examines a small urine sample. It can help find problems that need treatment, including infections or kidney problems. It can also help find serious diseases in their early stages, such as kidney or liver disease and diabetes.
Cardiac Examination
A thorough evaluation of the heart by a specialised doctor provides valuable information about the patient’s cardiovascular system function, whilst being vital when it comes to differentiating between cardiac conditions and conditions of other origin. At the same time, it can quickly provide important information that can help in the rapid diagnosis of many life-threatening diseases.
Ophthalmological Examination
An ophthalmological examination provides important information about the health of our eyes. A comprehensive eye examination is a simple procedure, which lasts from 45 to 90 minutes.
Beyond the examination, your doctor may ask you about your vision and general health, your family medical history, whether you take medications and if you wear corrective lenses.
Dental Examination
A dental visit is usually divided into two parts – the check-up and cleaning. The dental check-up is important because it helps maintain the health of teeth and gums, as does cleaning. During a dental examination, the dentist will check for cavities, tartar and gum disease, will assess the risk of developing other oral health problems and will check the face, neck and mouth for abnormalities. A dental examination may also include X-rays or other diagnostic procedures.
During the examination, the dentist will likely discuss your diet and oral hygiene habits and may demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques. Other topics for discussion may include lifestyle factors that can affect oral health and possible cosmetic improvements to your teeth.
Dermatological Examination
A dermatological examination includes thorough checking for rashes or skin lesions affecting the hands, face, scalp, trunk, abdomen, pelvis, arms and legs. The morphology of these lesions can help identify their cause.
This examination is useful for everyone; however, it is essential for those who have moles or other skin problems, especially after the summer period.
Gynaecological Examination
Women should undergo a complete gynaecological examination every year. This is a procedure that aims to evaluate a woman’s reproductive system health. The general examination usually uses a speculum to view the vagina and cervix, whilst including a Pap smear, vaginal ultrasound and mammography in women over 35 years old.
Before undergoing any of the above examinations, it is important to consult your doctor for advice regarding the consumption of food, drinks and medications.
Preventive examinations are the “key” to early diagnosis of many diseases. Your health is in your hands, don’t forget it!
