Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to your health and wellbeing. While it’s not always possible to avoid illness, keeping up to date with basic health checks can reduce risks dramatically. Here are some essential assessments and tests to book today if you’ve fallen behind.
Dental checks
Dental checks provide dentists with an opportunity to take a look at the condition of your teeth and gums, spot early warning signs of decay and gum disease, and check for any abnormalities, which could be linked to conditions such as oral cancer. Ideally, you should go to the dentist every 6-12 months. If you keep up to date with regular examinations, your oral and general health will benefit. Dental care is beneficial for your smile and confidence, but crucially, it can also help to lower risks of oral disease, heart disease and complications related to diabetes. If you haven’t been to see your dentist yet this year, now is the time to pick up the phone and schedule an appointment.
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Vision and hearing
We often take our senses for granted, and we don’t reach out and see experts until we notice that our sight isn’t quite as sharp as it once was or we can’t hear as well. Deterioration in sight and hearing tends to occur gradually, and this is why it’s so beneficial to keep up to date with regular, routine assessments. Opticians and optometrists and hearing health professionals can identify and monitor signs of hearing and sight loss. Being proactive can help to slow the process and provide assistance if you need treatment, for example, using contact lenses, glasses or hearing aids, or taking medication to treat an ear infection. It is particularly important to book an appointment if you notice changes in your vision or hearing. If you’re struggling to read from a distance, or you’re finding yourself asking people to repeat themselves more frequently, it’s best to get checked out.
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BMI and blood pressure
High blood pressure and a high BMI (body mass index) are linked to an elevated risk of heart attacks, strokes, obesity and type 2 diabetes. There are usually no obvious signs of high blood pressure, and this is why it’s important to check your blood pressure frequently. If your blood pressure is too high, it may be possible to lower the reading by changing your lifestyle. Losing weight and being more active can be incredibly beneficial. Your doctor may also recommend taking medication if it is not possible to maintain a healthy reading with lifestyle changes alone. If your BMI is too high, the best way to lose weight sustainably and boost your health is to combine healthy eating with regular exercise.
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It is not possible to prevent every infection or illness or stop the aging process, but there are steps you can take to lower risks and protect your health. Keeping up to date with health checks is a simple, effective way to reduce the risk of health issues and ensure any warning signs or symptoms are detected early.
