Health-check that list twice!
When you plan ahead, you can have a healthy holiday season. Keeping yourself and your GP up to date with your health status is the best present we could ask for! Not to mention a productive way to start off the new year. Here’s a list of regular health screenings worth checking twice:
– Blood pressure and cholesterol. Blood pressure is a measure of your blood against your arteries. Cholesterol is a type of fat within your blood. If either is too high your chances of heart disease and stroke increase. It’s a good idea to get your blood pressure checked at least every two years starting from age 18. If it’s high, you may have to have it checked as your GP requires. If you have a family history of heart disease or diabetes it is a great idea to have it checked more often.
– Skin check. Being in Queensland, (one of the highest diagnosed skin cancer states in the world) it is crucial to have your skin checked regularly for any early signs of skin cancer. It’s a good idea to check yourself for any changes in moles and other marks on your skin, including your back and in your hair. When skin cancers are found early on and treated, they’re almost always curable.
– Mammogram. You must tell your GP if you have a family history of breast cancer. A mammogram is an x-ray that looks for changes in your breasts. Breast cancer remains the most common cancer diagnosis in Queensland Women. From menstruation women are encouraged to regularly check their own breasts for changes. Women aged 50+ should be having a mammogram every two years.
– Sexual health. If you are sexually active, it is recommended that you test for STIs at least once a year. Some sexually transmitted infections have no symptoms. Get checked for STIs soon if you are displaying symptoms, have unprotected sex with a casual partner, have had a condom break during sex, or have been sexually assaulted.
– Cervical cancer screening. All women and people with a cervix aged 25 and up should have a cervical cancer screening test every 5 years, even if they are no longer sexually active. The test looks for the presence of high-risk types of HPV (human papillomavirus).
– Prostate exam. This is the test that checks the prostate gland for signs of cancer. Most men will want to start talking with their doctor about this exam around the age of 50. African Australian men and men with a history of prostate cancer may want to start the talk from age 40. Most often, it is a blood test called a PSA test, but you may need a rectal exam as well. Your GP will discuss with you the most important option for you.
When was the last time you were checked for any of the appropriate exams above? Contact us before Christmas to start your holiday season with some peace of mind knowing you are up to date with your regular health checks!
Contact us at Medical on Miami to make your appointment, or click on the link below!
