Health Check Ups
-N K Tripathi
There are some people who are not much bothered for health check-ups, unless they catch some diseases or they are referred by the doctors. There are others who are healthy and get periodic health check ups done. However, unnecessary testings should be avoided. Some people keep on monitoring their heartbeat and sleeping patterns for no reasons. Over testing becomes an obsession.
However, for the people, especially the Seniors the biggest risk is not the disease, but its silent progression. To combat this, regular tests are recommended in the authentic medical literature. I give them as below.
1- Blood tests once a year should include fasting blood sugar, HbA1c, lipid profile, thyroid, kidney and liver functions tests, vitamins D and B12, and PSA.
2- For heart once a year ECG and, if advised, then Echo.
3- Bone density test in 2 or 3 years.
4- Eye and Dental check ups once a year
5- Most important test is the awareness of one’s own general functional health. This includes normal walking endurance, ability to climb stairs comfortably, ability to rise from chair without difficulty and proper balance, which avoids falls.
Walk and exercise and remain healthy. But health check-ups are necessary because they help to stay ahead of problems instead of reacting to them later. As we age, regular check-ups become one of the most effective ways to maintain independence, mobility, and overall quality of life.
