Our health is such an important component of our life, so it should always be a priority. Often people wait until a clear issue or symptom arises to get themselves checked out, however it's really important to keep on top of the health checks below. When an issue is identified earlier, it's so much easier to treat, whether it's something minor that can be avoided or something more serious. So, if you haven't booked in for any of these checks in a while, this is your sign to do it!
Blood Tests
Having regular blood tests should be an important part of your routine. They can detect a whole host of different things, including things like high cholesterol or concerning glucose levels. Once an issue has been identified, potential concerns like heart diseases or diabetes can more easily be monitored and detected, which could save your life one day. This is just one example of what regular blood tests can detect, so book yourself in! Around once a year is usually the optimal time to have your blood tests, or if you have pre-existing conditions, your doctor will likely request them more often.
Dental Check-Ups
Out of all the areas of our health, our oral health is often pushed to the back of our priorities. However, bad oral health habits will catch up with you and could eventually lead to tooth decay, loss or gum disease, all of which are much more common than you might think. So, along with a thorough oral hygiene routine (brushing and using mouthwash twice a day, flossing once in the evening), and eating a relatively low sugar diet, you need to be going to your dentist for a check-up every 6 months, or as requested.
Even if you think everything is fine, your dentist can pick up on minute issues that have the potential to develop into a significant problem. This is also the case if you've had cosmetic dental treatments, so your dentist can check everything looks as it should. Plus, you might think you're a very thorough brusher, however they will be able to see where tartar has built up to tell you which areas of your mouth needs more focus. It can also help to reduce the need for emergency dentistry. Having a full smile can make you complacent, however invest in your oral health now and it will significantly improve the longevity of your natural smile.
Blood Pressure
Another test you should regularly be having is a blood pressure test! If you have high blood pressure, it can be quite a big indication that you may be at more of a risk for heart disease and stroke. So, many doctors have a machine in the reception, or even some drugstores, and you can pay a couple of pounds or dollars to have your blood pressure taken. A normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mmHg, so if the result is any higher, you can send it to your doctor and they may want to carry out further tests. If you're on hormonal birth control that puts you at higher risk of things such as stroke, then having more regular blood pressure tests is also important.
Cancer Screenings
Lastly, you should have your regular cancer screenings. They truly save lives, helping to identify cancer even in the very early stages, or before cells have been able to become cancerous. This helps to then simplify treatment if any problems are identified. If you have any concerns you should always go to your doctor straight away, but cancer screenings can help to identify things you might have missed. As you get older, it's recommended you have screenings more often, but it's never too early to start.
Final Thoughts
Being proactive about our health is so important and could potentially save your life! So, even if you're worried about a test, just bite the bullet and get it done, because your future self could definitely thank you for it one day. Book that appointment, go to your dentist, have that blood test, for your own peace of mind as well as to keep your body as happy and healthy as possible in all ways!
