Going to the doctor for regular body checks and health screenings is one of the best things you can do for your overall health and wellbeing. Getting checked regularly allows doctors to catch any potential issues early when they are most treatable. There are many benefits to making body checks a part of your regular health routine.
The Pros of Preventative Care
Preventative care in the form of regular body checks and health screenings provides numerous advantages. Here are some of the top reasons to make appointments for regular body checks and tests:
Early Detection of Health Issues
One of the biggest benefits of regular body checks is the ability to detect health problems in their earliest stages, often before any symptoms are present. Catching conditions early makes them more treatable. Some examples include:
High blood pressure – A routine blood pressure check can catch hypertension early. High blood pressure often has no obvious symptoms so checking it regularly is important.
Skin cancer – A full body skin check by a dermatologist can find potential skin cancers when they are very treatable. Early detection saves lives.
High cholesterol – A cholesterol test can identify elevated cholesterol before it leads to issues like heart disease. Making lifestyle changes can then lower cholesterol.
Diabetes – Blood sugar tests can reveal diabetes or prediabetes. Catching it early and making diet and exercise changes can prevent complications.
Screenings for Common Cancers
Regular health screenings and tests allow for early detection of common cancers when the chances of successful treatment are highest. Recommended cancer screening tests include:
Mammograms to check for breast cancer
PSA blood test and digital rectal exams for prostate cancer
Pap smears for cervical cancer
Colonoscopies to check for colorectal cancer
Screening does not diagnose cancer, but it can identify warning signs that lead to early diagnosis when cancer is most treatable.
Assessment of Current Health Status
Checking in with your doctor for full physical exams and routine tests lets you take stock of your overall current health status. Your doctor can:
Check vitals like blood pressure, heart rate, weight, etc.
Assess lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, smoking, alcohol use, etc.
Review family medical history
Together, you can get a snapshot of your health and make plans to improve it. It also establishes a baseline to monitor future changes.
Early Intervention for Issues
Detecting potential health issues early allows for early intervention. This gives you the best chance of treating, managing, or even preventing some conditions. Examples include:
Catching high blood pressure early means implementing lifestyle changes and medication to control it before complications arise.
Discovering high cholesterol provides the chance to avoid future heart disease through diet and exercise adjustments.
Diagnosing diabetes early provides the opportunity to manage blood sugar levels right away before problems develop.
Early intervention saves lives and improves outcomes. Don’t wait until there are symptoms to get checked.
Less Known Benefits of Checkups
In addition to the major advantages above, regular body checks and screenings offer some lesser-known benefits:
Identifies Changes in Biomarkers
Biomarkers are biological molecules and processes that can indicate potential issues like inflammation, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and more. Spotting changing biomarkers allows for proactive intervention.
Assesses Risk Factors
Doctors can evaluate personal and family risk factors like smoking, inactivity, obesity, high blood pressure, etc. Steps can then be taken to reduce risks.
Provides Preventative Vaccinations
Regular body checkups are a chance to get recommended vaccinations to prevent illnesses like the flu, pneumonia, shingles, HPV, and hepatitis.
Screens Hearing, Vision, Cognitive Health
Routine health screening of hearing, vision, memory, and cognitive function allows for early intervention for age-related declines.
Reinforces Health Education
Appointments allow doctors to provide education on nutrition, exercise, smoking cessation, and other healthy lifestyle choices. This promotes wellness.
Regular health checkups with a physician provide an invaluable opportunity to fully assess current health, detect issues early, receive preventative services, and open dialogue with a doctor. Taking advantage of this resource is vital for health and longevity. Don’t wait – schedule your next body check today!
