Health is every human’s important asset to have. To enjoy life, you need to be free from health problems. This means you can play with your children, undertake your duties and also engage yourself in doing what you want in life without any problem.
As we carry on with our day to day activities, we get exposed to germs and bacteria which could be detrimental to our wellbeing. For that reason, we must ensure we stay healthy by protecting ourselves from these harmful germs and bacteria.
In that case, we must make sure we undergo routine health checks. A health checkup or test is thorough and takes just minutes to complete. It helps to detect any health problems in your body which makes it easier to treat them earlier before the situation gets out of hand.
The process of undergoing health tests involve a collection of samples and is almost similar to oral drug tests but it can depend on some aspects like perceived health and age and other factors.
In this post, we will share a number of health tests that are important in your life.
Important: You should ensure to go for these tests every year.
Blood Pressure Tests
A blood pressure test is easier to undergo. The good thing about this test is that you can do it at home. According to a study by the National Institutes of Health, men aged between 18 and 64 are required to get blood pressure tests at least two times every year.
High blood pressure affects the heart and can damage the walls of the arteries thus making you vulnerable to heart and kidney disease.
The test involves your nurse fitting a cuff around your upper arm and inflating it until it gets tight. This can take a minute to complete. If the results are above the normal range, you will be required to test several times. The optimal blood pressure levels are 110/70 and if it goes beyond this range, your nurse or doctor will advise you on how to bring it down.
Breast Screening
Breast screening is helpful since it can detect breast cancer early which could increase the likelihood of surviving it. In this case, women are required to undergo a mammogram where X-ray images of the breasts are taken. The X-ray images will then be examined to show whether there exist cancerous cells on the breasts or not.
Most women at the age of 40 are required to go for a mammogram every year. Once you are screened, you will wait for at least 2 weeks for your results. You may be required to go for an assessment clinic for more tests. Women need to undergo this test so as to detect breast cancers as early as possible.
Cervical Screening
Another health test that women must go for is the cervical screening. This test is meant to prevent cancer by spotting abnormalities which may cause cervical cancer in women if not treated.
This kind of tests involves a nurse inserting an instrument called a speculum on the woman’s vagina and then sweeps around the cervix with a small soft brush. If a woman feels pain, it can be an indication of a serious problem.
Women at the age of 25 to 64 years are required to undergo cervical screening every 3 years. The results for cervical screening test can take one to two weeks. If the results show abnormalities, you will be required to undergo further investigation and treatment.
Prostate Cancer Tests
Prostate cancer test is meant to detect cancer in men. Prostate cancer can be dangerous and can lead to various health complications. In fact, men are required to undergo this test today.
In this case, you will be required to undergo the PSA blood test. The required level of PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) in your blood is 4ng/Ml. Prostate cancer can also be tested by rectal examination where the doctor assesses your rectum to detect cancer. However, you should always let your doctor know your preferred method when undergoing prostate cancer.
Men over the age of 40 or 50 with a family of history of prostate cancer are required to undergo this test.
The Pap Smear And The Pelvic Test
Women above the age of 21 are required to undergo this combination of tests (Pap smear and Pelvic Exam) once every 2 years. Note that for sexually active women, you can undergo this test earlier than 21 years. This test is meant to detect any problem that could affect the reproductive system.
The test involves your doctor performing an analysis of cervical cells to detect the presence of cancer. The doctor can also test STIs.
Cholesterol Tests
A cholesterol test is meant to detect the levels of cholesterol in the arteries which could cause heart problems or stroke.It is difficult to know whether you have high cholesterol since it does not show any symptoms and that’s why you are required to undergo the cholesterol lab test.
Once your doctor finds you have high cholesterol, he or she can advise you on how to lower it. This could involve altering your diet, taking regular exercise and more.
Skin checks
Skin checks are necessary to detect early signs of skin cancer. You should always keep an eye on moles, although they aren’t harmful, they may form a skin cancer called malignant melanoma.
The Final Advice
Your health is your treasure. You should always keep your body free from disease or infection. The tests we have described above are important in your life. They are meant to detect different kinds of diseases earlier enough so that you can find ways on how to survive. Always ensure you undergo these tests as recommended.