If you want to stay fit and healthy, regular checkups are a must.
Doctors recommend that you have a routine medical examination at least once a year. April is National Health Awareness Month – the perfect time to book an appointment.
Dr Charles Meltzar, a general practitioner in Johannesburg, says examinations are largely risk-based, so they differ from person to person, although there are procedures that are seen as standard.
“The examination will vary, depending on the sex, lifestyle and age of the patient. Factors such as a history of family illness should be taken into account, but there are some examinations that are constant,” he says.
The checkup is a chance for patients to discuss any medical issues they might be worried about.
“Once the initial exam is completed, the doctor and the patient will decide together if further procedures are necessary,” says Meltzar.
Below is a list of some of the regular tests that form part of a comprehensive annual checkup:
Blood pressure
Your blood pressure should be checked every time you visit the doctor.
Height
A significant loss of height can indicate acceleration of osteoporosis. Height is lost as a result of compression of the spinal cord.
Weight
Significant fluctuations in a patient’s weight can be an indicator of serious health problems. Weight gain could mean fluid retention, due to heart, liver or kidney disease. Weight loss could indicate infection or cancer.
Blood work
Yearly blood work should include a blood count to rule out any bleeding, glucose to detect diabetes, thyroid function tests to rule out any thyroid disorders and blood electrolytes, which can detect kidney problems and early heart problems.
Chest X-ray
The amount of radiation from a chest X-ray is not harmful and it can be useful in detecting lung disorders, cancer, early TB and emphysema.
Body mass index (BMI)
BMI is a measurement of a person’s weight according to height. It is a useful tool to estimate a healthy body weight and is widely used to identify obesity problems.
Tests for men
Prostate exam
Starting at age 50 a man should have a digital examination of his prostate. An enlargement could indicate a benign enlargement or cancer.
PSA
Prostate specific antigen is a blood test that can indicate prostate cancer. If the level is high, a biopsy of the prostate might be necessary.
Tests for women
Mammogram
It is recommended that women over the age of 35 have a mammogram at least once a year. The doctor should also perform a clinical breast examination during the checkup.
PAP smear and pelvic exam
This test should be done every three years, or yearly if at higher risk for cervical cancer.
Measurement of bone mass
Women over the age of 50 are at a higher risk of osteoporosis and should have regular bone density examinations.