What is Health Screening?
What is Health Screening? Health screening is a series of tests and examinations that provide an overview of your current health. It is an effective way to detect a specific disease or condition early, even when there are no symptoms or signs of the disease.
Detecting a condition early is important because it means getting the right treatment at the right time. Overall, having regular health screening gives patients better control over their health.
What To Expect From Health Screening
Health screening should be a priority at any stage of your life.
However, it is never too late. Even if you have never done a comprehensive health screening before, you can book it now. For people below 30 years old, a health screening is recommended every 2 to 3 years. For those who are 30 and older, a yearly health screening is highly recommended.
For those who are 50 and older, specific age-related screening tests are also conducted.
If you are looking for your health screening in London, these are the tests you should expect from it. For any questions or specific issues, your doctor will be able to answer and advise you.
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Blood Cholesterol Profile
Cholesterol is a fatty substance and is essential for the normal functioning of the body. However, high cholesterol is not good for your health and should be kept under control. High cholesterol itself doesn’t usually cause any symptoms, but it increases your risk of developing severe health conditions such as heart disease and stroke.
Specifically, your doctor will check for HDL and LDL cholesterol (and the ratio between the two) in your blood.
- HDL cholesterol: HDL cholesterol, or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, is often called the “good” cholesterol.
HDL picks up excess cholesterol and takes it back to your liver.
- LDL cholesterol: LDL cholesterol, or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, is often called the “bad” cholesterol. Its function is to transport cholesterol particles throughout your body. LDL cholesterol builds up in the walls of your arteries, making them hard and narrow.
- HDL cholesterol: HDL cholesterol, or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, is often called the “good” cholesterol.
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Blood Glucose Profile
Blood glucose is a sugar that goes around your bloodstream and supplies energy to all your cells. Checking your blood sugar levels is extremely important because you need to keep your blood glucose within a safe range to reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
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Blood Pressure
Appropriate blood pressure is a key factor in longevity and overall health.
If the top number (systolic number) is from 120 to 139 mm Hg, or the bottom number (diastolic number) is from 80 to 89 mm Hg, you should have it checked every year. Don’t be surprised if your blood pressure starts rising after 40; that’s common. Fortunately, you can lower your blood pressure through diet, exercise, and medication.
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Eye Test
If you have trouble reading or working at the computer, it’s not unusual. Be sure to get your eyes examined regularly (every 1 to 2 years until age 60) to check for common problems like presbyopia, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.
Go more often if you have vision problems or risk factors for eye problems.
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Mammograms, Osteoporosis and Pap Smear Tests
These tests are useful to prevent cervical cancers, breast cancers and other disorders that affect women.
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Prostate Cancer Tests
Men must get themselves tested for prostate cancer if they are obese, have high testosterone levels, and/or are over 50 years of age.
