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Taking care of our health is one of the most important things we should do. We only get one body, so we want it to be in excellent working condition. In order to ensure this, we need to visit the doctor regularly to get check-ups and screenings. This not only allows you to detect medical issues early but can also improve the quality of your life.
Below we are going to talk about ten medical tests that everyone will need to have at some point.
Want to learn more? Then keep on reading.
Eye Check
In the US, over 40% of the population requires glasses. An eye check will help you detect any issues so that you can get on top of them while they are most treatable. Ideally, it would be best if you aimed to receive an exam every year. This way, you can monitor your long and short-distance vision and make sure that it hasn’t deteriorated any further.
Hearing Check
Much like our eyes, it’s also essential to get our hearing tested every year. Without a proper diagnosis, you could have a hearing problem that gets left unidentified for months. If you notice that you are struggling to hear others and experiencing tinnitus (ringing in the ears), it’s probably a good idea to book an appointment. The process is straightforward and won’t take any longer than 20 minutes.
Dental Check
Once we get our adult teeth, we want to do everything we can to keep them in tip-top condition. A brighter smile can improve our confidence and plays a big part in our physical health as well.
Regular dental checks aren’t just crucial for wellbeing, but they actually help you save money in the long run. It’s better to get on top of something early before it turns into a serious (and more expensive) condition. Take a look at these oral hygiene tips for a healthy and whiter smile.
COVID Test
While it’s been a while since COVID has emerged in our world, it’s still a very dangerous virus and needs to be taken seriously. If you haven’t already, chances are you will need to get a test done to confirm that you don’t have it. Cold and flu symptoms, such as a fever and sore throat, could be an indicator.
Luckily, the process is relatively straightforward. Most drive-through testing facilities use a nose and throat swab, but a saliva test kit can also be used. Just make sure that you isolate until your negative is confirmed.
Blood Test
A blood test is certainly one of the most common medical tests that you will have throughout your life. This is because it can be used to identify a range of different things. For example, your doctor may order a:
- Complete blood count: Measures the blood’s components.
- Blood enzyme test: Measures specific enzymes.
- Blood clotting test: Ensures the blood can clot appropriately.
- Group and save: Checks for antibodies that can affect a transfusion.
However, these are just some of the different types of blood tests there are. What you will need will vary depending on your doctors’ concerns.
Blood Pressure Test
A blood pressure test is done to measure the pressure in your arteries as your heart pumps. Low or high blood pressure could be an indicator of an underlying medical condition. The test is not invasive and only takes a few minutes. Most doctors will do one at your regular medical check-up.
Causes of low blood pressure could include Obesity, smoking, diabetes, excessive alcohol consumption, increased salt intake, and stress.
Causes of high blood pressure could include diabetes, blood infections, thyroid, blood loss, pregnancy, dehydration.
Skin Check
Our skin is undoubtedly one of the areas that we often overlook medically. However, it’s actually vital to get it checked frequently. According to cancer.org, around 5.4 million basal and squamous cell skin cancers are diagnosed each year in the US. In fact, 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. The statistics certainly are shocking, which goes to show how important it is to get tested.
STD/STI Test
There are many different STDs and STIs, and if they are left untreated, they can have some severe effects on the body. If you’re sexually active, it’s important that you are safe by wearing protection and getting regular checks at least once every 12 months. Some of the most common STDs and STIs that you will be tested for include:
Chlamydia: An infection caused by Chlamydia Trachomatis.
Gonorrhea: An infection caused by Neisseria Gonorrhoeae.
HIV: A virus that attacks the body’s immune system. If left untreated it can lead to AIDS.
Hepatitis B: A contagious and viral disease that damages the liver.
Syphilis: An infection caused by Treponema Pallidum.
Trichomoniasis: An infection caused by a protozoan parasite - Trichomonas Vaginalis.
Pap Smear/Cervical Screenings (For Women)
Pap smears and cervical screenings collect a sample of cells from the cervix to check for precancerous changes. They are recommended for all women over the age of 25 and should occur every three years. While many note that the procedure can be a little uncomfortable, it is safe and effective in detecting abnormalities. You can learn more information about preparing for the test here.
Prostate Exam (For Men)
A prostate exam is one of the most critical tests for men over the age of 50. The test identifies any abnormalities, including prostate cancer, prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate), and infections. If left undiagnosed, you may develop severe health complications. Alongside the physical exam, your doctor will also most likely order a PSA test, which measures the amount of prostate-specific antigen in your blood.
And that’s it. These were ten different medical tests that everyone will have to have throughout their life. However, it’s important to note that as you age, these aren’t the only ones you will experience. It all depends on your health and genetics.
Always remember, while some of these might not be the most comfortable, they can help save your life.
Isreal olabanji a dental assistant and public health professionals and has years of experience in assisting the dentist with all sorts of dental issues.
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