Why Should You Have an Annual Health Checkup?

Why Should You Have an Annual Health Checkup?

        People from working age (25 years) to those 50 and older all need regular health checkups. This is because working individuals often face accumulated stress, physical overexertion, and risky lifestyle habits that make them more susceptible to diseases. For example, they may consume foods high in fat, sugar, or salt without exercising enough. Many also drink alcohol, smoke, and have inadequate rest. Annual health checkups help detect abnormalities early, allowing people to adjust their lifestyles appropriately, thus reducing the risk of disease.

          For older individuals, whose bodily functions naturally decline, regular health checkups are crucial. They help identify which areas of the body need special care and help manage risk factors such as blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure. This can lower the likelihood of developing diseases and prevent existing conditions from worsening or becoming life-threatening.

What Does an Annual Health Checkup Include?

        Annual health checkups screen for diseases based on age-related risk factors and detect hidden illnesses in the body. Basic health checkups for all genders and ages include the following:

• General Physical Examination: The doctor will look into your medical history, measure your blood pressure, assess your body mass index (BMI), and perform a basic physical examination.
• Complete Blood Count (CBC): This tests red and white blood cells and platelets to assess the concentration and overall health of blood cells, identifying abnormalities such as anaemia or immune-related issues.
• Blood Sugar Level Test: This assesses blood sugar levels to predict the risk of diabetes.
• Lipid Profile: This measures cholesterol and triglyceride levels to estimate the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and stroke.
• Uric Acid Level Test: This evaluates the risk of gout.
• Kidney Function Test: Creatinine and Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) levels are checked to assess the kidneys' ability to filter waste.
• Liver Function Test: Enzymes and substances in the blood are tested to detect liver inflammation and jaundice.
• Urinalysis: This screens for diseases in the urinary system and diabetes.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): This test evaluates heart function and detects abnormalities such as arrhythmias or ischemia (insufficient blood flow to the heart).
• Chest X-Ray: This examines the chest for abnormalities and assesses the risk of lung diseases.
• Cancer Markers: Blood tests are conducted to identify risks for various types of cancer.
• Vision Test: This checks your eyesight and identifies any visual impairments and eye disease risks.

Five Benefits of Annual Health Check-ups for Everyone

          It's common for people to believe that health problems won’t affect them, leading them to neglect having regular check-ups. But in many cases, by the time symptoms appear, the condition has already become serious. Here are the benefits of annual health check-ups:

1. Understanding Your Health Status  

      Regular health check-ups help you understand your blood sugar levels, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure, whether high or low. This awareness allows you to adjust your lifestyle and eating habits, accordingly, ensuring that these levels remain within the recommended range. By doing so, you can reduce the risk of developing various diseases.

2. Early Detection of Physical Abnormalities

       In the early stages of many diseases, the body often shows no visible symptoms. Annual health check-ups can detect abnormalities within the body, allowing doctors to plan preventative or early treatment strategies. This helps prevent severe illnesses or the progression of diseases.

3. Encouraging Health Awareness

       Regular check-ups highlight any potential risks of developing serious illnesses, motivating people to take better care of their health. This often leads to increased exercise and healthier eating habits.

4. Reducing Medical Cost

       Some may avoid annual check-ups, thinking they are unnecessary if they feel healthy, thus saving money. However, early detection of illnesses through check-ups often leads to lower medical costs. If a disease progresses unchecked, treatment becomes more expensive and time-consuming, leading to higher long-term healthcare costs.

5. Receiving Health Advice from Doctors
       After an annual check-up, doctors provide advice on maintaining your health and adjusting your lifestyle. This helps improve physical well-being and reduces the risk of future health issues.

How often should you get a health check-up?
       Everyone should undergo regular health check-ups at least 1-2 times a year in hospitals with modern medical equipment. This helps accurately assess and analyse the risks of various diseases, along with receiving diagnoses and advice from experienced doctors to be applied appropriately in daily life in order to promote good long-term health.

       Once aware of the benefits of health check-ups, those who wish to get an annual check-up and are looking for comprehensive services can visit Samitivej Chonburi Hospital. The hospital offers a variety of health check-up programs tailored to different age groups.

For more information, call 033-038871.