TIME FOR YOUR 2010 OVERHAUL!
Your New Year’s Health “Check-up” Checklist
Things to Consider Before Your Annual Medical Exam
Now that we are well in to the New Year it is a good time to start thinking about your annual medical check-up and any other health issues which you think might need to be addressed. Typically, annual physicals are age-related and differ for women and men, but standard physicals usually include blood tests to check levels of blood lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides), glucose (blood sugars) and electrolytes (mineral balance), as well as complete blood counts (red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets), and kidney, liver and thyroid function. Also included is a physical assessment by your doctor, such as a skin and mole check, a neck exam for carotid pulses and swollen lymph nodes, and a check of extremities for blood flow restrictions and swelling.
Depending on your age and cardiovascular risk, an electrocardiogram is recommended every 5 years, and a chest x-ray is recommended every 3 years if you smoke. Other tests, including cancer screenings, can also be part of your annual physical. These tests vary by age and gender but can include colon cancer screenings, a Pap smear, mammogram, and a digital rectal examination of the prostate with prostate specific antigen testing for men.
Your annual physical also is a good time to talk with your doctor about other preventative health matters, such as smoking cessation, weight reduction and stress management. Take in to consideration your lifestyle and employment risks. For example if you are a diver, or spend many hours in the sun (surfers or sailors) these factors will also affect your annual health screening.
Review your family health history
Are there any new conditions or diseases that have occurred in your close relatives since your last visit? If so, let your doctor know. Family history might influence your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, diabetes or cancer. Your doctor will assess your risk of disease based on your family history and other factors. Your doctor may also recommend things you can do to help prevent disease, such as exercising more, changing your diet, or using screening tests to help detect disease early.
Find out if you’re due for any general screenings or vaccinations
Have you had the recommended screening tests based on your age, general health, family history and lifestyle? Check with your doctor to see if it’s time for any vaccinations, follow-up exams or tests. For example, it might be time for you to get a Pap test, mammogram, prostate cancer screening, colon cancer screening, sexually transmitted disease screening, blood pressure check, eye check, tetanus shot or other vaccinations relevant to living in the tropics such as Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, and Rabies.
Write down a list of issues and questions to take with you
Review any existing health problems and note any changes. Have you noticed any body changes, including lumps or skin changes? Are you having pain, dizziness, fatigue, problems with urine or stool, or menstrual cycle changes? Have your eating habits changed? Are you experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, and distress or sleeping problems? If so, note when the change began, how it’s different from before, and any other observation that you think might be helpful. Be honest with your doctor. If you haven’t been taking your medication as directed, exercising as much, or anything else, say so. You may be at risk for certain diseases and conditions because of how you live, work and play. Your doctor develops a plan based partly on what you say you do. Help ensure that you get the best guidance by providing the most up-to-date and accurate information about you. Be sure to write your questions down beforehand. Once you’re in the office or exam room, it can be hard to remember everything you want to review. Leave room between questions to write down your provider’s answers.
Consider your future
Are there specific health issues that need addressing concerning your future? Are you thinking about having infertility treatment, losing weight, taking a hazardous job or quitting smoking? Discuss any issues with your doctor so that you can make better decisions regarding your health and safety.
If you are considering having your annual wellness check-up either in Bali or with one of the wellness check centers in Singapore, Malaysia or Thailand, contact your health insurance company. Many policies have an annual allowance for medical check-ups, as some of these examinations are quite costly.
