Maintaining the health holds prime importance to everyone. However, due to an extreme busy lifestyle people often forget to take care of themselves. It may lead to serious issues in the long run when neglected for extended periods of time. This is why a routine health check-up is needed. It helps to know about the current status of body and detects the presence of abnormalities. This following blog hereby discusses the benefits of a full body health check up. Also, it gives a complete guide towards booking one.
Full body health checkup – what is it?
It is primarily meant to identify symptoms of potential disorders in the body. Besides, it guides about preventive measures one should take in order to avert the possibility of developing one. It is important to note that such routine checkups are needed both for males and females.
What procedures are involved in a full body checkup?
Typically, a full body health check up consists of medical tests and diagnostic procedures. These help to get valuable insights of the metabolic processes happening within the body. Some common tests are as follows:
Pressure test
It measures the pressure with which blood exerts on the arterial walls while flowing. This gives vital information about an individual’s cardiovascular health. A high BP indicates potential heart risks while a low BP represents overall weakness. A healthy person’s BP generally falls between 120/80mm of Hg.
Blood tests
These tests help to examine if the metabolic parameters are perfectly balanced in body or not. For example; glucose test, cholesterol test etc. This in turn gives information about vital organs like the heart, kidneys, liver and so forth. Apart from assessing sugar and lipid profiles, a blood test also determines hormonal levels.
Urine test
A urine test is primarily meant to examine urinary tract infections. This can also help to detect cysts in the lower urinary tract, stones in kidneys etc. Besides, it gives valuable insights about liver health. Moreover, such a test is highly crucial for identifying diabetic individuals.
Stool test
A stool test helps to identify inflammations in the gastrointestinal system. Also, digestive issues and gut infections due to microbes can be detected. Moreover, a stool test is able to recognize liver problems early.
BMI
Body Mass Index (shortly termed as BMI) is a vital tool in evaluating body fatness. It may help in early detection of cardiovascular disorders. A person having high BMI value indicates obesity while a low BMI represents a weaker body frame. Thus, it can tell beforehand if a person is at high risk of developing high BP, diabetes etc.
Blood count test
It is used to determine abnormalities pertaining to blood; such as extreme high or low numbers of blood cells. Moreover, this also gives valuable insights about fluid volume and probable cases of blood loss etc. This test is typically incorporated to check blood infections like leukaemia, anaemic conditions and so forth.
Heart test
Such a test is incorporated in order to detect problems associated with the heart and its valves. It also measures the strength with which the heart is able to pump. Typical procedures involved are ECG, stress test, cardiac MRI etc.
Lung function test
It is also known as pulmonary function test. These tests help to determine volume and overall capacity of the lungs. Moreover, a lung function test can detect potential pulmonary disorders like asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia and so forth.
Kidney profile test
A renal test helps to determine if the kidneys are optimally functioning or not. Typically, these tests involve a blood test, urine analysis or sometimes in combination. Moreover, it diagnoses issues like uric acid crystals in the kidneys.
Electrolyte profile test
An electrolyte profile test helps to determine electrolyte levels in the body and checks if there is any imbalance or not. Commonly, sodium and potassium levels are checked in such a test.
X-ray
An x-ray uses radioactive beams to create high resolution images of the body part that needs medical attention. Typically, a x-ray is used to determine the internal abnormalities within bones, organs and tissues.
MRI scan
A MRI scan is an imaging technique that uses an electro-magnetic field to take internal images of organs. Generally, a MRI is done to determine and diagnose soft tissues such as brain and tumours.
USG scan
An ultrasound scan (shortly termed as USG) uses sound waves of high frequency to generate images of internal morphological structures. Such a test is meant for studying developing foetus, abdominal organs and pelvic region. It can also examine muscular and vascular structures.
What to do before going for a health checkup?
There are certain guidelines that one must follow before going for a full body health check. They are as follows:
- Check for the available services the clinic is going to provide. This helps to make an informed decision beforehand prior slot confirmation.
- Note down the questions which one may have. This helps in obtaining a hassle-free and smooth session during the check-up.
- Consider listing down each and every detail of medical past. This includes prior surgical procedures, medicines that one used to take etc. All these help the doctor to make a detailed diagnosis of the patient’s health.
- Try to gather other personal documents along with the medical ones. These generally consist of recent diagnostic test reports, identity cards, insurance cards etc.
- Try to avoid heavy meals (at least for 8 hours) before appearing for a check-up. This generally happens in a blood sugar test or lipid test. However, it is best to not stuff oneself with foods pre-check-up.
- Do dress up in light clothes which are comfortable. Also, try to avoid heavy accessories and jewellery during a checkup.
What are the benefits of a full body checkup?
Apart from early detection of health disorders, these checkups offer a lot of other advantages. The are as follows:
- Cutting down unnecessary costs: When an issue is detected early, future complications can be prevented to a great extent. This minimizes additional expenses and other medical procedures in future.
- Promoting Quality of lifestyle: A full body health check-up can uplift overall quality of life. This is achieved through following precautionary steps and healthy alternatives.
- Giving mental strength: Many times, people get frustrated when they come to know about a health issue. Getting an early check-up facilitates proper monitoring of current conditions so that they do not unnecessarily panic.
Conclusion
There are many reputed private healthcare clinics in London. These offer cost-effective testing procedures and suggest preventive care facilities. Thus, if you are in urgent need of a full body health check–up, do not delay. Feel free to assess the various available services and book an appointment at your earliest.