By Bev Hermanson

The 27th of March was the 5-year anniversary of the complete lockdown that irretrievably changed millions of lives. Suddenly, the need to maintain optimum health was brought into focus, as a way to get us through both the global and local health crises caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since then, staying healthy has remained a priority for those looking for a quality lifestyle. One of the best ways to realise that goal is to schedule regular health checks.

EARLY INTERVENTION

Doctors advise that health screenings should generally be done even though you feel healthy. The aim is to detect disease at an early stage before symptoms become noticeable.

In most cases, treating a disease early helps to reduce risk factors that could lead to more serious complications later on.

The screenings you’ll need typically change as you age, but here’s a list of the essential health checks you should prioritise.

1. BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING

High blood pressure (hypertension) is called the silent killer since it often doesn’t cause any symptoms and you may not even know that your blood pressure is high. According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation in South Africa, “more than 1 in 3 adults live with high blood pressure in South Africa and it is responsible for 1 in every 2 strokes and 2 in every 5 heart attacks.”

The recommendation is that you should have your blood pressure checked regularly, at least once a year, from the age of 18. A normal reading should be below 130/85 mm Hg. If yours is higher, it’s time to take action.

2. CHOLESTEROL CHECK

High cholesterol is another culprit that can cause heart problems, strokes or blood clots. You should have your cholesterol levels checked at least every five years from the age of 20. However, if you have a family history of cardiovascular disease, you should check your cholesterol levels more regularly.

There are two types of cholesterol, one is good and the other is considered to be bad. Below 4.0mmol/L is a healthy level for bad cholesterol. For good cholesterol, which helps to get rid of bad cholesterol from your blood, above 1.0mmol/L is a healthy level for men and above 1.2mmol/L is a healthy level for women. Ideally, the combined levels should be below 5.0mmol/L.

3. BLOOD GLUCOSE

Managing your blood glucose level is important for overall wellness. For most healthy individuals, normal blood sugar levels should be between 4.0 to 5.4 mmol/L when fasting and up to 7.8 mmol/L two hours after eating. A fasting plasma glucose reading of 6.1 – 6.9 mmol/L and higher may indicate that you’re prediabetic, while anything more than or equal to 7 mmol/L indicates diabetes.

4. BONE DENSITY

Osteoporosis, while more common in women, does also affect some men, leading to weakened bones and an increased risk of fractures. To screen for osteoporosis, a DEXA scan (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) is recommended from the age of 65, although women with a low body weight or a history of fractures should be screened earlier.

The DEXA scan measures the mineral density of the bone, to determine its strength. If your bone density is low, the doctor may prescribe bisphosphonates, along with supplements such as additional calcium and vitamin D.

5. COLON SCREENING

The colon should be scanned for cancer from the age of 50, and thereafter every 10 years, depending on the person’s risk factors. The scan can be done at the doctor’s surgery or in a hospital, with the method being either a sigmoidoscopy (where a tube with a light fixed to it and camera are inserted in the anus to examine the lower colon) or a colonoscopy (involving a longer tube that examines the entire colon). During the procedure, the technicians look for changes in the colon, such as swollen or irritated tissues, polyps or cancer.

6. SKIN CHECKS

Second only to Australia, South Africa has one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world, with a high incidence of melanoma. When examining abnormal growths or marks on the skin, remember the ABCDE rule of melanoma: Asymmetry, Border irregularities, Colour variations, Diameter, and Evolving characteristics. If you find anything unusual, rather have it checked out by a dermatologist or your family doctor.

7. DENTAL CHECKS

You should visit your dentist every six months, or at a stretch, once a year. Regular dental check-ups help to prevent plaque build-up, cavities and gum disease. Remember, problems in your mouth can affect your entire digestive system, which is why oral hygiene is so important.

FOR WOMEN

8. Pap Smear

For women, a pap smear is recommended every three years, starting from the age of 25. Your doctor will take cells from your cervix with a small brush. These cells are then sent to a lab for analysis, where they will look for changes or abnormalities that may lead to cervical cancer.

9. Mammogram

This is screening for breast cancer, which involves compressing the breast between plates so that X-ray images can be taken. Due to the prevalence of unhealthy lifestyle habits, breast cancer is becoming more common even in younger women. Women should check their breasts regularly for any signs of lumps, abnormal changes in their nipples, changes in the size or shape of their breasts or persistent pain in the breasts or armpit. A mammogram should be done either annually or every two years and immediately, if there are any causes for concern.

FOR MEN

8. Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test

Possible signs of prostate cancer include a need to urinate frequently, often during the night; difficulty in starting to urinate; weak flow; a feeling that your bladder has not emptied fully; and blood in your urine or blood in the semen. The Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test is often coupled with a  Digital Rectal Exam (DRE), MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) or Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS). If any abnormalities are detected, a biopsy may be recommended.

9. Testicular Ultrasound

Testicular cancer often grows quickly, so early detection and treatment are crucial. Common symptoms include a lump or swelling in one testicle, a heavy scrotum, or pain or discomfort in the testicles or scrotum. A testicular ultrasound and blood tests are used to identify this type of cancer.

DON’T PROCRASTINATE

For many people, it seems there aren’t enough hours in the day. However, looking after your health is, literally, vital. Don’t put off making those doctors’ appointments because you’re too busy taking care of business or your family’s needs. Take care of yourself first. Your future self will thank you later.

Photo credits: Hush Naidoo of Jade Photography, Mockup Graphics, Adrian Sulyok, Sweet Life, Taylor Smith, CDC, Lafayett Zapata Montero and the National Cancer Institute

References:
https://heartfoundation.co.za/blood-pressure/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles