A full-body check-up is a holistic diagnostic process that assesses overall body health to identify symptoms of illnesses or abnormalities. Such a health check-up, when carried out periodically, not only helps in evaluating, diagnosing, and treating existing health issues but also in preventing future complications.
By keeping track of the body through regular check-ups, you will be able to easily observe any changes that occur and bring it to the notice of a doctor. Not only diseases that have apparent symptoms, but even those that are dormant or remain hidden can be diagnosed through a full-body health check-up. Therefore, by opting for a periodic full-body check-up, you are taking the first step towards a healthier and longer life.
When do you need a full-body check-up?
An annual full-body health check-up is not mandatory for everyone. However, depending on factors such as your age, lifestyle and family medical history, you may be recommended a periodic check-up as a preventive measure.
The following is a list that suggests how often you should get a full-body health check-up done, depending on your age:
- Below 30 years: A check-up once every three years is recommended, provided that you do not drink or smoke regularly. For women, mammography and tests for cervical cancer are also recommended as part of this check-up.
- Between 30 and 40 years: A full-body health check-up is recommended once every 1-2 years.
- Between 40 and 60 years: An annual check-up is highly recommended. Some specialists even suggest an annual colonoscopy for both men and women.
- Above 60 years: For senior citizens, there are specialised check-ups and health packages that diagnose problems associated with old age and assess the overall health. These should be taken once a year.
Irrespective of how old you are, if you experience any of the following symptoms, consider them as warning signs that call for a full-body health check-up:
- Frequent headaches: While headaches themselves may not seem threatening, frequent bouts could be the indication of a complex medical condition.
- Unexplained weight loss: While the loss of excess weight is often a positive sign, it warrants attention if the weight loss is sudden or unexplained.
- Irregular Appetite: A sudden increase or decrease in appetite for a prolonged period due to unexplained reasons should be addressed.
- Abnormal Bowel Movement: Bowel health is often a reflection of overall body health. Constipation, bloating and discomfort are signs of ill health.
What does a full-body health check-up include?
A full-body help check-up starts with a series of pre-test analyses which include:
- Patient Medical History: When you go for a full-body check-up, remember to take all your old health reports and medical records so that the doctor can accurately diagnose your health status.
- Family Medical History: In order to fully understand your medical condition, the doctor will also need to know the details of your family’s medical history. This is to analyse and understand if you are prone to genetic disorders or diseases that can be passed on to you hereditarily.
- Patient Lifestyle Analysis: The doctor will also ask you questions to understand your habits and lifestyle because your health is directly correlated to these factors.
The following are some of the tests that come as part of a full-body check-up:
- General tests: To assess any physical abnormalities clinically and to check Body Mass Index and blood pressure.
- Blood tests: To measure blood glucose, cholestrol levels, Haemoglobinn count, signs of infection, and abnormal increase or decrease in blood values.
- Renal Function Test and Urine examination: To assess the function of kidneys and rule out abnormalities like preteinuria, infection and release of RBC vinutine.Echo and Treadmill: To check the functioning of the heart under normal and stressful conditions.
- ECG: To measure the heartbeat and its uniformity.
- Ear and eye tests: To assess the health of primary sense organs.
Venkataeswara Hospitals is a multi-speciality hospital equipped to offer comprehensive check-ups and seamless follow-up treatments, all under one roof. To book an appointment for a complete health check-up in Chennai, call us at 044 4511 1111 or visit www.vhospitals.com.
