At what age should we start health check?
Health check-up are important for everyone, since it’s a way of getting to know your health if there are any problems, as many of them will not show any symptoms until they are late. Usually, the physical examination begins at the age of 20 years, but if you had a congenital disease or have any health concern, you may do health checkup immediately because health problems can happen at any time. Health screenings can help determine your risk of disease or if some problems are detected at their early stage, it will increase the chance of a successful treatment.
Health Check-Up by Age
Age 0-19 years
Have a general health check, weight, height, BMI, vaccines, developmental checks according to age, dental check-ups and eye exams (If any child has a congenital disease, it is recommended to have additional check-up on the disease).
Age 20-35 years
At this age is on working age, many people may get less interested in taking care of their health because most of them feel healthy and may not have any underlying disease. In fact, health check-up should start at the age of 20, get tested once a year and recommended as a blood test for a general health check. Then check the basic system of the body, including blood sugar or cholesterol testing, because some health problems are caused by eating behavior or lifestyle in the age of 20-35 years. Remember that if you are at high risk or have a family history, you should pay attention to prevent additional health issues.
Age > 35 years
Most of them are in good health at this age, but many people may start showing some symptoms if they have health problems. This age should have a basic health check same as the age 20-35 and check further for an accuracy detail such as cancer screening, women at this age are at risk of cervical cancer and breast cancer. For men, prostate cancer may be increased. It is also recommended to start hormonal testing for some people with abnormal symptoms during this age. Since it is the working age, their lifestyle can affect stress, sleep, and hormone levels. The most commonly tested hormones are Thyroid function, Testosterone, Estrogen, Progesterone, etc.
The question that we often heard is “Is it possible to do more health checkups than what is written on the list?” The answer is definitely yes, it can be done. For health checkups, the more you get tested, the more useful it will be. You will know more about your health and know how to deal or take care of yourself properly.
Age > 60 years
As you age, health problems usually come in and you need to be physically active on monitoring changes in your body. Do annual blood tests for basic health, cholesterol and sugar levels, kidney and liver health, blood pressure check as well as vaccinations and a complete blood cell count are still important for elderly health. Other additional tests such as an electrocardiogram, chest x-ray, or treadmill test may also be considered if needed or appropriate for them, so that we can promptly detect and correct those abnormalities. Even if you don’t have any symptoms, you still need to visit a doctor because it can help you avoid problems in the future.
Women aged 65 and above and men aged 70 and above should receive a bone density test in order to determine whether their bones are starting to thin or lessen in density so that treatment can be carried out, and fractures prevented.
So, if you want to be heathy, eat healthy meals on time, talk with your doctor, take your medicines as well as supplements as prescribed, incorporate walks into your routine at least 5 days a week and exercise regularly.
You’re never too young to start taking care of your health. You may reward yourself with a health check-up program in every new year or every birthday. And remember, health checkup doesn’t take long time, but it benefits you in a long term.
