What is a Health Screening?
Health Screenings are examinations and tests to look for a disease before patients develop any symptoms. It is important because from a medical perspective prevention is better than cure. It is also often easier to treat or indeed cure a condition in its early stages.
What must I consider before signing up for a Health Screening?
There are lots of different Health Screen packages available – ranging from a half hour ‘quick check up’ to a deep-dive comprehensive review of all aspects of your health. There are also Health Screens available that address specific health concerns, for example Sexual Health Screening or Family Planning Screenings. Have a think about what you want and book a Screening appropriately.
What illnesses can be detected through a Health Screening?
Common conditions identified include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, thyroid conditions, bowel cancers, pre-cancerous changes in the cervix, early breast disease, health and lifestyle changes. WHO (World Health Organisation) states that 80% of premature heart disease and strokes are preventable and having regular Health Screenings can be part of the prevention process.
What does a Health Screening involve?
The most effective Health Screens are tailored to the individual. A good history (asking questions) eliciting relevant personal and family history as well as lifestyle analysis (smoking, alcohol, physical activity) is crucial. There would always be a physical examination as well as various laboratory tests using blood, urine and stool sample. Depending on age and other risk factors, an ECG (heart trace), exercise treadmill tests, colonoscopy (and for women cervical smears and breast screening) might also be suggested. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but often the common ones to be suggested.
What are the different types of health screenings available?
IMC offers a full range of Health Screening options from Essential to Comprehensive. Furthermore, there are Health Screens that address certain times of life, ages or demographics. These range from Travel Medicine, Women’s Gyne, School Medicals, Employment Pass Medicals to Helpers Medicals to name a few.
