A health screening is an essential part of preventive healthcare and plays a vital role in maintaining overall well-being. Early detection of certain medical conditions helps to manage them more easily and affordably.
Health screenings can identify symptoms or warning signs of potential illnesses before they become serious and can help to ensure that individuals receive the necessary medical treatment in a timely manner.
It can be hard to make time for wellness screenings in our busy world, but as the habit develops, health screening tests can actually have a positive effect on your overall well-being.
What health screening tests should I have?
A yearly physical is a great place to start. Depending on your age, gender, and health history, other recommended tests may include cholesterol checks, blood pressure screenings, cancer screenings (such as mammograms or skin exams), CT scans, and diabetes screenings.
You’ll also want to pursue specific scans depending on your health history. For example, if you are or have been a cigarette smoker, a lung scan will be important to detect any warning signs of illness. Additionally, women with HPV will need an annual Pap smear to check for any signs of cervical cancer.
These tests allow doctors to not only prevent health conditions but to detect problems early when treatment is often more successful. Depending on your coverage, preventive screenings may even be fully covered by health insurance. It’s important to ask your provider about the types of preventative screenings they offer and check with your insurance provider to see what is covered.
What conditions can preventative screening help mitigate?
Preventative health screenings are important for detecting, diagnosing, and treating a number of conditions. By having regular checkups and preventive screenings, individuals can be proactive in the prevention or management of chronic diseases such as:
- Heart disease
- Specific types of cancer
- Diabetes
- Weakened bones
- Mental health conditions
- Hormonal imbalances
One of the most important things to remember is that regular health screening tests are not just for diagnosing diseases. If a test shows that you may be at risk of developing a certain condition, you can take steps to reduce your risk or delay its onset significantly.
Benefits of Preventative Screenings
According to the Missouri Department of Health, health screenings are beneficial for those of all ages. Here are some of the top benefits:
- Improves health and quality of life: Regular preventative screenings can often lead to early diagnosis and better management of chronic diseases.
- Reduces stress: Knowing that you are taking proactive steps to protect your health can provide peace of mind and decrease stress levels.
- Saves money: By diagnosing issues early, expensive treatments can be avoided in the future.
- Frees up time in your life: Taking the time to take part in preventive screenings can help you avoid future hospital visits and maximize your free time.
- Creates a culture of health: As more people make preventive health screenings a priority, they will become more common and accepted in society. This will lead to a healthier population and fewer people having to deal with chronic conditions.
You’ll notice the quality of your relationships, work, and lifestyle improve when you make your health a priority. Taking the time to participate in preventive screenings is an excellent way to safeguard your future and maintain good health.
Additional Ways to Enhance Your Health
In addition to your annual physical, there are plenty of other everyday activities that you can do to keep your health in check:
1. Prioritize Your Sleep
Not only does sleep allow your body to repair and restore itself, but it also allows your mind to reset and recharge. Your learning and memory capacity is also improved with a good night’s sleep.
Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Make sure you keep your bedroom dark, cool, and quiet so that you have the most optimal sleep possible. If you struggle with staying asleep, try to avoid caffeine or alcohol before bed.
2. Eat Nutritious Non-Processed Meals
The ratio of nutrients you consume each day can have a significant impact on your overall health. According to Harvard’s Healthy Eating Plate, vegetables should be first in line for half of your meals. This is because vegetables offer the most minerals, vitamins, and dietary fiber.
Try to avoid non-processed food and sugary drinks as much as possible. Instead, focus on eating whole grains, fruits and vegetables, legumes, and healthy proteins such as fish or nuts.
3. Establish a Workout Routine
Physical activity has numerous benefits, such as improved physical and mental health, reduced stress levels, boosted mood, and enhanced sleep quality. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise per day to maintain good health.
If you don’t like going to the gym or following workout videos, that’s no problem. Clean your home, take the dog out for a walk, or go for a bike ride. Any type of physical activity counts!
4. Strive For a Life-Work Balance
When our lives are out of balance, our physical well-being suffers. Many people deny this fact and think that sacrificing their health is necessary to achieve success. The truth is, you can have it all if you prioritize self-care and make an effort to establish a healthy life-work balance.
This means taking the time to enjoy hobbies, spend quality time with loved ones, complete household tasks, or just take some personal time for yourself. Taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your career goals and should be treated with the same level of importance.
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The Bottom Line: Why is health screening important?
Your routine checkup is an essential part of staying on top of your health. It’s important to be aware of potential illnesses or medical issues so that you can take preventive measures and treat them promptly. Prevention is the best way to avoid costly treatments in the future, reduce stress levels, save time, and promote overall good health. In addition to scheduling regular checkups, make sure you also prioritize sleep, nutrition, exercise, and balance in your life. Doing so will keep you feeling energized and healthy for years to come.
Don’t wait until it’s too late – now is the time to invest in your health and book a health screening with Preventative Diagnostic Center. With regular low-dose CT scan checkups, you can be proactive in managing potential illnesses that could arise in the future. And not only will you benefit from preventive testing, but you’ll also be doing your part to stay healthy and live life to the fullest. Contact us today to learn more about our health screening services!
Cappello, K. (2020). The Impact of Sleep on Learning and Memory.
Get Screenings | Live Like Your Life Depends On It.
Healthy Eating Plate. (2011).
