We all want to live the longest and healthiest life possible, but many of us don’t know where to start when it comes to keeping track of our overall health. It’s easy to get lax about making doctors appointments, particularly when we’re worried about what a check up might reveal. But it’s those pesky annual check ups that keep us in our best possible shape to take on whatever life may throw our way. Prevention is the greatest cure – cliched, but true!
We talked to Dr John D’Arcy, ambassador for Australian Hearing, to find out everything you need to know about getting checked.
RESCU: What annual health checks should young women in particular be getting?
John D’Arcy: There are several health checks that women in their early 20s and 30s should keep in mind. Sticking to a regular health check routine when you are young is great because it sets a precedent for later years.
Blood pressure: High blood pressure has no symptoms, so make sure your blood pressure check is carried out by your GP every two years. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for stroke, heart disease and heart failure.
Cholesterol and glucose levels: Particularly as you reach the second half of your thirties, the effects of unhealthy behaviours such as smoking and poor diet can start to show. Every two to five years your GP should check for high cholesterol or glucose levels, which can be indicative of your risk of developing heart disease and type 2 diabetes. If you’re overweight, have polycystic ovary syndrome or have a family history of heart disease or type 2 diabetes, you should have your cholesterol and blood sugar levels checked more frequently. A total cholesterol of under 5.5 mmol/L is ideal.
Waist circumference and weight assessment: Again, your days of indulgence may be starting to show! Your GP should calculate your BMI (an estimate of your total amount of body fat) every two years. Taking into account your waist circumference as well, these two numbers can help your GP identify your risk of developing many chronic diseases including type 2 diabetes, heart disease and osteoporosis. If that’s not incentive to go for a jog, I don’t know what is.
RESCU: It’s easy for someone who is young and healthy to neglect health checks every single year – especially when they are all so busy – why should we bother?
John D’Arcy: Young people have a habit of believing they are immortal. Unfortunately, this is not the case! However, to live as long and healthy a life as possible it is important to adopt the attitude that prevention is better than a cure.
Hearing loss, type two diabetes, high blood pressure and osteoporosis are all conditions that are more prevalent in our later years, so now is the time to take preventative action. Your annual health checks will help your doctor flag any risks that you might avoid.
RESCU: What sort of annual health checks do young kids need?
John D’Arcy: There are numerous health and development checks recommended for children, to ensure they are growing and developing normally, and to identify and manage any health problems early on. A few of these checks (which your family GP can usually carry out) may include:
- Hearing
- Vision
- Fine motor skills
- Language
- Social skills
- Nutrition
- Childhood immunisations
RESCU: Do teenagers need any annual health checks?
John D’Arcy: Yes of course! There are health checks recommended for every age group. For teenagers, I would recommend:
Pap smears & pelvic exams: Your early 20s is a good time to find a gynaecologist you like – and stick with them! Pap smears and pelvic exams are recommended every two years for over 18s who have become sexually active, or as your doctor advises (she or he may recommend more frequent checks due to previous abnormalities or conditions). A pap smear test detects changes to cells in the cervix before they develop into cervical cancer. A pelvic examination can detect abnormalities in the ovaries and uterus.
Skin cancer check: Many young women enjoy sunbaking, but we all know the danger this poses! Make sure you self-check every month (keep an eye out for changing shapes and colours in your freckles or moles), and book in to see a GP or dermatologist at least once a year.
Sexually transmitted infections (STI) screenings: The frequency of this test (carried out by your GP), depends on how sexually active you are, and whether you use condoms consistently. It’s recommended you get tested particularly after unprotected sex with a new partner or if your partner has had other sexual partners.
Regular checks are recommended in order to identify and treat STIs. Many STIs can be treated with antibiotics, but untreated they can lead to discomfort at the very least, but also in some cases they can cause infertility.
RESCU: Many women in particular get nervous going for health checks – what can we expect from the most common health checks?
John D’Arcy: Women shouldn’t be embarrassed to have a health concern investigated- no matter where on their body it is! Just remember that doctors have seen it all so there’s no need to feel uncomfortable. The most important thing is that your concern is seen to. Just relax and keep in mind that at the end of the examination and a careful and intensive conversation, you will often feel reassured.
Dr John D’Arcy is an ambassador for Australia Hearing, the nation’s leading hearing specialist and largest provider of Government funded hearing services. For more information about Australian Hearing, visit www.hearing.com.au
