Once that symptom you have noticed hasn’t budged, it’s time to check in with your healthcare provider, right? Right! Checking in with a professional once you don’t feel entirely like your usual self is always a good idea. However, health testing isn’t just reserved for when you aren’t feeling 100%. In fact, doing specific tests and screenings regularly is a key aspect of preventative health care and can save you from experiencing a whole host of complications down the line - think of it as an investment into future you!
While you may need specific tests and screenings based on your personal medical history, age, and gender, there are a handful of general tests and screenings recommended to help keep you clued in on your well-being. We have covered everything you need to know about each.
Routine physical exam
An annual routine physical exam is one of the best ways to touch base with your healthcare provider and to give you an indication of your general health. It’s also the perfect opportunity to speak about any concerns you may have and talk about any preventative measures you should consider.
A general physical exam will often involve recording your weight and height as well as checking vital signs such as blood pressure and pulse. It might also include a head-to-toe exam to check your mouth, ears, lymph nodes, and skin. Of course, what your doctor will check in on will be totally unique to you and will likely differ based on your age, gender, and any health goals you may have for the future.
Cholesterol
Cholesterol gets a bad rep when in fact your body needs a certain level to help build healthy cells. However, high cholesterol levels can lead to a number of complications including an increased risk of heart disease. While the risk of high cholesterol can be increased depending on your family history, it may also be caused by unhealthy lifestyle choices such as eating fatty foods, lack of exercise, smoking, and excess alcohol intake.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that most healthy adults should have their cholesterol levels checked every 4-6 years. If there is a family history of high cholesterol, it’s likely you will need to check in more frequently.
High cholesterol shows no symptoms so testing is the only way to detect it. The LetsGetChecked Cholesterol test checks cholesterol levels and can help monitor your heart health. Treatment for high cholesterol is available on our Cholesterol CarePathway™ in specific locations across the US.
Diabetes
Statistics estimate that nearly 1 in 10 American adults have diabetes, one of the most common chronic conditions worldwide [1]. Symptoms of type 1 diabetes often develop quickly compared to type 2 diabetes which often develops slowly. No matter the type, if left undiagnosed diabetes can have a serious impact on your health. There are certain factors that can increase your risk of diabetes- it's possible that family history may increase your risk of type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes tends to be more common in those who are overweight and not physically active.
The A1C test is a blood test that measures your blood sugar levels over the past three months, how often you should take this will depend on a number of factors. According to Harvard Health Publishing, healthy adults should test every three years [2].
LetsGetChecked’s range of Diabetes testing can help you identify or manage your diabetes or pre-diabetes. Our clinical team will be available to provide additional support and guidance on the best next steps for you.
Sexual health
Anyone that is sexually active should be checking in on their sexual health regularly. Many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) show little to no symptoms which means you can have an infection and not even realize it. If left undetected and untreated, STIs can cause a number of complications including fertility issues, or an increased risk of contracting another STI.
How often you should be tested for each specific STI will usually depend on your gender and sexual habits (such as if you have multiple partners). For some individuals, the CDC recommends testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea every year as well as advising that everyone be tested for HIV at least once [3].
If you would prefer to check in on your sexual health in a private and discreet way, you can do so with LetsGetChecked’s range of Sexual Health tests. Test for the most common and often symptomless infections to keep on top of your sexual health with follow-up consultations and treatment options available for certain infections.
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