Our health is inextricably linked to our happiness, and yet it can be something that we take for granted. It’s not until we start to struggle that we realise what a difference our physical wellbeing makes to our quality of life.
Some of us are more health-conscious than others, which can sometimes lead to bouts of anxiety. Meanwhile, others among us spend little time worrying about our bodies and the various medical issues that have the potential to impact ourselves and our loved ones.
Whichever camp you fall into, regular health screenings are important. They can identify any illnesses or conditions at an early stage, which makes them easier to treat. And, at the very least, they can offer you that priceless peace of mind. Read on to find out more.
Key screenings for different life stages
Your body and your lifestyle change as you grow older, which means your needs do too. For example, pregnant women are often screened for the likes of Down’s and Edwards’ syndrome as well as infectious diseases such as HIV and syphilis. Then once they are born, babies are given a full physical examination plus hearing tests, among other things.
Subsequently, as you grow older and become sexually active, you can get regular screening for sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia via tests that are often easy to conduct at home. And as you reach your 50s, screens for bowel and/or breast cancer are recommended.
A path to a healthier life
Regular screenings can provide crucial preventative care. Having frequent check-ups makes it much more likely that any conditions or illnesses will be caught before they develop into a more serious problem.
And arming yourself with that knowledge means you are much less likely to develop anxiety over your health. That in turn can lead to improved quality of sleep and a more positive outlook across all areas of your life.
Managing chronic conditions
If you develop a serious condition, regular screenings will be paramount in order to keep track of your health. They’ll be used to determine whether the condition is improving or worsening, as well as how your body is reacting to any medication or other treatment you are receiving. Using the results from these check-ups, your doctor(s) will be able to tailor your care accordingly.
How to get started
Each one of us is different, so there are no hard and fast rules about how you should approach getting regular health screening. The tests you have, and the frequency with which you have them, will depend on a number of factors. These could include your age, lifestyle, family history, how much you worry about your health, and whether you already have any underlying conditions.
You also need to consider whether you want to get free screenings or are willing to pay, either through self-funding or medical insurance. But whatever you decide, the most important thing is to get booked in for check-ups that can keep you on top of your health and provide peace of mind.
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