No matter your age, an essential preliminary task is to find the right primary care physician and establish your medical history with them, especially when living abroad. Getting baseline readings on your blood pressure, cholesterol levels and body mass index will help the doctor spot anomalies later – particularly if you make them aware of health conditions within your family history.
If this means you need to ask your relatives about family health, then ask. We each inherit quite a lot from our family members, including the likelihood of developing genetic diseases. Any attempt to organise each medical test by age should account for family history and current symptoms.
Not every event is completely preventable and avoidable. However, being proactive early can minimize if not prevent from happening in the first place.
Dr. Gerard Lalande, Chief Medical Officer at LUMA
Importance of regular health check ups
Every stage in life comes with its own joys and challenges. Making the most of each year requires a positive mindset, strong social connections, exciting activities to take part in – and good overall health.
A balanced diet and regular or annual health checkups can make this last part easier to keep an eye on, but there are other steps worth taking as well. Certain types of illnesses and other health conditions become more likely at specific periods in life, and there are many age-related health checkups available that can provide a valuable early warning time if you are at risk.
From your teens onwards, let’s look at each recommended medical test by age, so that you can help prevent potential issues before they occur.
What Health Check Up should I get?
Health Check Up for 15-30 years old
Testicular cancer most commonly arises between the ages of 25-34, and so young men should begin doing occasional self-exams from 20 years old onwards.
Young women should also begin having pap smears every three years from the age of 21, as cervical cancer is the most common tumour among young women. From 30 onwards, it should be done every three years until the age of 65. Self breast exams are also recommended and should be followed up on with a doctor if any issues become apparent.
When men or women start to become sexually active, it is essential to start getting checked for sexually transmitted diseases. The longer an STD goes without being diagnosed and treated, the more harm it can do over time.
As we become ever more glued to our screens, it is vital to protect our sight. Eye exams should also be performed once every two years, beginning in early adulthood, to check for vision issues as well as eye health. After 45 years of age, annual eye check is necessary.
The skin should also be checked regularly for new spots, freckles and moles, which may be an early indicator of skin cancer. Skin cancer is a serious risk for people who spend time in sunny environments, particularly those with fair skin. This being said, you are at risk of getting skin cancer regardless of you skin colour.
Dental check-ups should be a part of your regular schedule, with a visit to the dentist’s office recommended once every six months throughout your life.
Health Check Up for 30-45 years old
Between the age of 35-40 you should get an assessment at least once every two years. This requires a clinical examination, measuring your vital signs, blood tests and a chest x-ray. Especially from your 40s onwards, keeping a close eye on blood pressure should be a health priority. In fact, our doctor, says that for men “it’s now wise to regularly get cardiovascular evaluation, and for that you need a cardiologist to review the specific cardiologic tests”. In addition, if you seem to experience new changes in mood, sleep habits or weight, your physician should test your thyroid function.
As mentioned above, women should get tested for cervical cancer once every three years during this period, to catch any symptoms early should they occur.
From the age of 40, women should start actively screening their breasts, with a mammogram combined with a breast ultrasound on a yearly basis.
Health Check Up for 45-60 years old
During this period in life, it is recommended to have a colonoscopy, usually from the age fo 50 years and above, to screen for the risk of colorectal cancer and dependent on the test results of the first screening you should then have one every three or five years. Men should also begin screening for prostate cancer at 45-50.
Women experiencing menopause may also want to consult their doctor if symptoms become overly burdensome.
Health Check Up for 60+ years old
Low dose chest CT Scans for lung cancer are recommended during this time, for those who smoke or used to smoke for a significant period of their lives.
Vision and hearing checks should be done with greater frequency during this stage in life, as part of your regular health check-ups. Eye-related conditions, in particular, are a higher risk for people in this age group.
It also becomes important during this period to be scanned for bone density, particularly if risk factors of osteoporosis (or brittle bones) are evident.
Physical Examination
A physical examination is a routine check-up that helps assess your overall health. It involves checking vital signs like blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature, as well as examining various body systems. This exam helps detect any potential issues early, ensuring you stay healthy and well-informed about your health.
Blood Tests and Lab Work
Blood tests and lab work are essential tools in assessing your health. They help detect conditions like anemia, diabetes, and infections by analyzing your blood’s components. Regular lab work provides valuable insights into your overall well-being, helping your doctor diagnose issues early and monitor ongoing health conditions effectively.
Imaging and Diagnostic Tests
Imaging and diagnostic tests play a crucial role in healthcare by providing detailed insights into the body’s internal structures. Tests like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs help diagnose conditions such as fractures, tumors, and internal injuries. These non-invasive procedures aid in accurate treatment planning and monitoring of health conditions.
Preparing for Your Health Check
Preparing for your health check may include specific requirements for various tests. For example, fasting before a blood test typically means refraining from eating or drinking (except water) for 8-12 hours beforehand. Follow any instructions provided by your healthcare provider regarding medications that may need to be temporarily stopped or adjusted prior to the tests. Always ask your doctor or clinic staff for clarification if you’re unsure about any preparation steps.
How to Choose the Right Healthcare Provider
Choosing the right healthcare provider for a health check involves considering their expertise, credentials, and reputation. Look for someone who communicates well in English, is attentive and understanding of your concerns and provides empathy when needed. Consider factors such as location, insurance coverage, and patient reviews to ensure a comfortable and effective healthcare experience.
Pre-appointment Checklist
In order to make sure you are making the best use of your time and are able to gather all information that is required, it’s great to have a pre-appointment checklist.
- 1. Gather medical records and insurance information.
- 2. Write down any symptoms or concerns to discuss.
- 3. Prepare a list of current medications and supplements.
- 4. Follow any fasting or preparation instructions for tests.
- 5. Bring a list of questions for your healthcare provider.
- 6. Ensure you have transportation to and from the appointment.
- 7. Arrive early to complete any paperwork.
What to Bring to Your Health Check
Once you’ve decided when and where you would like to carry out your health check, don’t forget to bring with you:
Identification: Such as your driver’s license or ID card.
Insurance Information: Including your insurance card and any relevant documents.
Medical History: A list of past surgeries, illnesses, and current medications.
Symptom List: Any symptoms or concerns you’ve been experiencing.
Previous Test Results: If you have them, bring any recent test results or imaging reports.
Questions: Prepare a list of questions or topics you want to discuss with your healthcare provider.
Comfortable Clothing: Wear loose-fitting clothes that are easy to move in, if necessary for physical examination.
Support: If needed, bring a family member or friend for support or to help remember details from the visit.
Detailed Breakdown of Health Check Tests
Health check tests provide a comprehensive evaluation of your well-being. These include blood tests to assess cholesterol, glucose levels, and organ function; imaging tests like X-rays and MRIs for detailed anatomical assessments; and screenings such as mammograms and colonoscopies to detect pathologies early. Each test plays a vital role in preventive healthcare.
Interpreting Your Health Check Results
Interpreting your health check-up results is essential for understanding your overall well-being. It involves reviewing various tests such as blood work, imaging, and screenings to assess factors like cholesterol levels, organ function, and cancer markers. Understanding these results helps you and your healthcare provider identify any abnormalities, track progress, and make informed decisions about treatment and lifestyle adjustments to maintain or improve your health.
Understanding Normal vs. Abnormal Results
Understanding normal vs. abnormal results involves comparing your test values to established reference ranges. Normal results indicate your health is within expected parameters, while abnormal results may signal potential health issues requiring further investigation, treatment, or lifestyle changes for optimal health management.
Next Steps After Receiving Your Results
After receiving your results, discuss them with your healthcare provider to understand implications and next steps. This may include further testing, treatment, lifestyle changes, or preventive measures to manage any conditions identified and maintain overall health and well-being.
Please note that every person’s body creates its unique medical history, and the above recommendations are only to be taken as the most general of guidelines. Consult your doctor often with questions and concerns you may have about your health, and about which is the right medical test by age.
Note also that tests and screenings do not cover all the risks you are likely to face. Some of which can’t be prevented by early screening, as they can depend on healthy lifestyles, careful daily living and other factors.
For any stage of a person’s life, it is essential to have the right treatment whenever it is needed. Quality care depends on having comprehensive medical insurance, and LUMA provides some of the most popular and dependable international health insurance plans.
