Medical Check-Up

Health is wealth, a saying that stands the test of time. But to truly understand and appreciate our health, periodic check-ins are essential. A general medical check-up is like a periodic service for your car, ensuring all systems run smoothly and efficiently.

What is a general medical check-up?

A general check-up, often called a routine medical examination, is an assessment of one's overall health. It involves various tests and examinations to evaluate the functioning of your body and identify any potential health risks or issues.

The general check-up process

Initial Consultation: The check-up starts with a discussion about your medical history, lifestyle habits, and any concerns you might have.

Physical Examination: A physical examination follows, where your doctor assesses vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration. They'll also examine your skin, eyes, ears, nose, and throat, among other parts.

Diagnostic Tests: Depending on your age, gender, and medical history, you might undergo blood tests, urine tests, X-rays, or other diagnostic procedures. These tests help identify issues that aren't apparent during a physical examination.

Discussion & Recommendations: After completing all tests, your doctor will discuss the results with you. If any issues are detected, they'll recommend treatments or lifestyle changes.

Why and how often do you need a general check-up?

The frequency of general check-ups depends mainly on your age, health history, and risk factors. However, as a general rule:

• Children and Adolescents: Once a year to monitor growth and development.
• Adults (18-30 years): Once every 2-3 years.
• Adults (30-50 years): Once every 1-2 years.
• Seniors (50 and above): Annually or as the doctor recommends.

Regular check-ups are essential not just for detecting potential issues but also for establishing a baseline of your health. This helps doctors identify any significant changes during subsequent check-ups.

What is a full medical check-up?

A full medical check-up, commonly known as a complete physical examination, is an in-depth assessment of an individual's health. It delves deeper than a general check-up, ensuring that every aspect of one's health, from head to toe, is scrutinised. A full medical check-up includes a general check-up plus add-ons for a fee.

The full medical examination process is similar to a general medical check-up but includes the use of electrocardiograms (ECGs). ECGs are an essential part of the full medical examination, a test that measures the heart's electrical activity. It helps identify if the heart is working correctly and detect irregular heart rhythms, potential blockages, and other cardiovascular issues. (Please note that our Medi-Crescent practice is not currently able to perform ECGs.)

Why and how often do you need a full medical check-up?

While the general check-up serves as a routine health assessment, a full medical examination delves much deeper. It is particularly beneficial for:

• Those with a family history of chronic diseases.
• Individuals experiencing unusual symptoms.
• Those interested in a comprehensive health assessment.

Generally, the recommended frequency is:

• Adults (18-40 years): Once every 3-5 years.
• Adults (40-60 years): Once every 2-3 years.
• Seniors (60 and above): Every 1-2 years or as the physician advises.

What are the benefits of a medical check-up?

• Early Detection: Many severe health issues, when detected early, are more manageable and treatable.
• Prevention: Check-ups can identify disease risk factors, allowing you to make necessary changes to prevent them.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing you're in good health can provide immense peace of mind.
• Cost-effective: Treating a disease in its advanced stage can be more expensive than its prevention or early-stage treatment.
• Builds Doctor-Patient Relationship: Regular check-ups help establish a relationship with your doctor, making it easier to approach them with concerns in the future.

Your health is a precious asset requiring care, attention, and periodic evaluations. Medical check-ups provide a snapshot of your current health status, paving the way for proactive measures and ensuring a longer, healthier life.

Prioritise your well-being and schedule your medical check-up today – because the key to good health is regular maintenance and timely intervention.