It is fair to say that many of us have a lot on our plates, so visiting a healthcare professional for an annual health check-up is not always at the top of our to-do lists. If you do not have symptoms or never get sick, it is easy to justify not investing in health screens. But even if you are generally healthy, you should always put your health first. After all, early detection of diseases can significantly reduce the risk and potential complications for many people.
We understand that health screens can put fear into some people – be it from discovering a potential disease, undergoing tests and examinations, or simply not knowing how the process works. That is why we are here to break down what health screening actually is, how it works and the different types of tests.
What is Health Screening?
In simple terms, it is a process that is used to identify whether people have a higher chance of developing a disease or condition. These people may seem healthy, but screening identifies any increased risk, even before symptoms appear.
While there is no obligation to have a screening test, it is highly recommended that you go for a health check-up at least once a year. This will help you make informed decisions about your health. It is also worth noting that certain tests are recommended for people who are most likely to benefit from them. For example, breast screening is recommended for older women who are between the ages of 50 and 70.
Why do we Screen People?
If you are usually in good health, you may not see the need to have a health screen. However, there is no better way to stay healthy than to identify any increased risk early on. Of course, having a screening test is a personal choice. But it is important to carefully consider the benefits of screening.
We carry out health screens to:
- Allow patients to make informed decisions about their health
- Detect health problems early on, before symptoms develop
- Increase the effectiveness of treatments
- Reduce the chance of developing a health problem or the associated complications
- Prevent potential deaths from diseases, such as breast cancer, cervical cancer, bowel cancer and abdominal aortic aneurysms
Types of Screening
Health screens are designed to pick up any risks before they become a problem. There are a number of tests to identify different health problems. Here are the different types of health checks you can get.
Heart Health
Screening is aimed to check your heart health and identify cardiovascular abnormalities, as well as any issues, such as heart disease.
Diabetes Health
Screening provides a preventative method for catching the risk of developing diabetes at an early stage. The results will determine whether you need to seek further medical advice.
Kidney Health
Tests are used to assess how well your kidneys are working. Your doctor will also look at factors, such as your age, gender and size to identify any risks.
Blood Pressure
If your blood pressure is high, this can increase the chance of serious health problems, such as heart attacks and strokes. One of our healthcare professionals will assess your blood pressure and develop a tailored treatment plan if necessary.
Pulse (BPM)
Tracking your heart rate will provide you with insight into your fitness and emotional health.
Full Blood Count
This is one of the most requested tests as it allows us to identify any abnormalities in red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. These abnormalities may highlight a potential medical problem.
Liver Health
Generally, there are no symptoms of liver disease during the early stages. But the good news is that testing allows us to identify risks and provide preventative treatment.
Bone Health
A number of scans and tests can be carried out to assess your bone density and establish the risk of a bone fracture.
Other Tests
A health screen may also include the following tests:
- Muscle and Joint Health
- Infection and Inflammation
- Iron Status
- Thyroid Health
- Tumour Markers
- Nutritional Health
- Metabolic Syndrome
- Female/Male Hormonal Health
- Allergy Evaluation
How Does Health Screening Work?
Your blood can say a lot about your health. Our 360 health assessments use a combination of blood tests and general measurements, such as height and weight to check for underlying health conditions. With our biometric tests, you will get a clear picture of how well the different parts of your body are working.
Our qualified healthcare professionals will provide you with a full medical report. If your results determine that you have a higher chance of developing a particular condition, they may carry out further investigations. Based on the results, they will work with you to develop a treatment plan. Get in touch with our team to discover how we can support you throughout every stage of the screening process, from testing and treatment to advice and support.