Why Routine Health Screenings Are Your Secret Weapon for Long-Term Wellness
With the world being faced with more cases of chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, preventive care has never been as significant. Regular health checkups are essential for detecting diseases early, assessing risk, and maintaining overall well-being. Such checkups entail a series of medical examinations, physical assessments, and consultations aimed at detecting potential health complications before they become symptomatic. If diseases are detected in the initial stage, patients can take timely medical interventions, improve treatment outcomes, and enjoy a better quality of life.
Scientific literature, expert opinions and statistical data have proven that routine health screenings are highly beneficial. From the detection of disease in the first stage to reducing healthcare costs, the advantages of preventive checkups are unquestionable. Let’s briefly explore common threatening diseases.
Hidden Life-Threatening Diseases You Can Detect Before Symptoms Appear
Breast Cancer
Cancer is a leading worldwide cause of death, but when it is caught early, survival is significantly better. Women over 40 years are recommended to take mammograms. Routine mammograms reduce breast cancer mortality by as much as 40% by detecting tumours before they become widespread (1, 2).
Colorectal Cancer
Colonoscopies and stool tests can identify precancerous polyps that can be removed before becoming cancerous. Screening reduces colorectal cancer mortality by 50% (3).
Cervical Cancer
Pap smears and HPV testing detect abnormal cervical cells before cervical cancer has a chance to occur (4).
Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Screenings
Coronary heart disease remains the number one killer globally. Frequent screenings can pick up risk factors.
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High Blood Pressure
Regular blood pressure checks can prevent strokes and heart attacks. Untreated hypertension increases the risk of heart failure and kidney disease (5).
High Cholesterol
Lipid profile tests measure LDL (bad cholesterol) and HDL (good cholesterol). Elevated LDL levels contribute to the formation of arterial plaque, which can lead to heart disease (6).
Diabetes and Prediabetes
Fasting blood glucose and HbA1c tests detect elevated glucose levels early, allowing for dietary and lifestyle modifications to prevent the development of diabetes (7).
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)Kidney disease usually advances slowly. Routine blood work, creatinine and eGFR, and urine work, albumin-to-creatinine ratio, can identify early kidney impairment. Interventions like blood pressure management and dietary modifications can be implemented (8).
Osteoporosis and Bone Health
Bone density tests (DEXA) are recommended to detect osteoporosis early in postmenopausal women and elderly people. Osteoporosis-induced fractures are debilitating, yet if they are treated early with calcium, vitamin D, and drugs, bone loss can be prevented (9).
Liver Disease
Liver function tests identify fatty liver disease, hepatitis, and cirrhosis before the development of severe liver damage. Early diagnosis allows for lifestyle changes, such as alcohol limitation, weight management and medical treatments (10).
8 Health Benefits You Gain from Regular Screenings
Aids Early Detection of Silent and Life-Threatening Diseases
Most severe health issues arise without any noticeable symptoms, going undetected until they are extremely advanced. Regular health screening makes these underlying threats visible, so treatment can be initiated early.
Prevention of Severe Complications
Undiagnosed or poorly controlled medical conditions can lead to permanent damage. Regular screenings prevent complications by allowing early treatment.
Saving Costs in Healthcare
Preventive screenings cost significantly less than treating diseases in advanced stages. A report found that preventive services, such as screening, can save the American healthcare system approximately $3.7 billion by preventing emergency hospitalisations and expensive care. Studies also show that vaccination and cancer screening significantly lower long-term healthcare costs by preventing complications of late-stage diseases (11).
Improved Quality of Life and Increased Life Expectancy
Early detection and treatment of disease result in a healthier and longer life.
Mental Health Benefits
Depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment screenings enable individuals to access early therapy or medication, improving mental health (12).
Vision and Hearing Protection
Regular eye checks detect glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration, while hearing checks prevent social isolation and mental decline in older adults (13).
Encouraging Healthier Living
Screening is likely to detect risk factors like obesity and high cholesterol, which prompt individuals to change their behaviour for healthier living. Regular standard check-ups may increase the chances of individuals stopping cigarettes, exercising daily, and eating healthier (14).
Chronic Disease Management
Regular follow-up for diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure allows timely adjustment of medicines and lifestyle guidance.
Conclusion
Regular health screening is the foundation of preventive medicine, offering unparalleled benefits such as early disease detection, prevention of complications, cost-effectiveness in healthcare, and enhanced quality of life. Governments and health organisations worldwide encourage regular check-ups to reduce the global disease burden. By placing preventive care as a priority, individuals can assume proactive responsibility for their well-being, living longer, healthier, and more productive lives. Investing money in routine tests today can prevent costly and life-altering illnesses in the long run.
By: Danial Umar (Public Health Expert).
Edited by: Damilola Elewa
Additional Read;
- How Do I Improve My Physical Health - The Ultimate Guide
- Preventing Diabetes Complications Through Smart Lifestyle Choices
- Worst Foods for High Blood Pressure
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