A generation ago, most people only saw their doctor when they were ill or coming to the end of their lives. Nowadays, the importance of preventative health care is much more recognised as people become more empowered and educated about their health and lifestyle choices.
Many individuals, particularly as they get older, want to know how they can decrease their risk of a range of diseases and conditions by maintaining a healthy weight, diet and activity level.
Doctors and other healthcare professionals are also letting patients know about the various kinds of check-ups the NHS has to offer. They are highlighting key issues around prevention as a way of reducing the number of patients needing surgery or ongoing treatment further down the road.
The benefits of regular check-ups and screening are numerous. When undergone regularly, they’re the best way to detect diseases or other health conditions early, and start a programme of treatment to avoid them worsening. Early detection provides patients the best chance of quick, effective treatment with less complications. By receiving the correct screenings, treatment and other health services in a timely manner, patients are taking important steps towards living a longer, healthier life.
The benefits of regular check-ups include:
- Reducing the risk of illness
- Increasing the chances of effective treatment and cure
- Detecting potentially life-threatening diseases or health conditions early
- Limiting the risks of complications by closely monitoring existing conditions
- The chance to form a good partnership between health care professional and patient
- Reducing healthcare costs long term by avoiding further expensive medical services like operations
- The chance to be updated about new medical advancements and technologies
- An increased lifespan and improve health
Preventive health screening checklist for adults
There are certain health-related issues that all adults, particularly those over 40, should bear in mind. These include
- Blood pressure
- Body mass index (BMI)
- Mental health issues
- Preventive screening
- Cancer screenings (as recommended)
- Colorectal issues
- Skin issues (moles, discoloration etc)
- Breast (women)
- Cervical (women)
- Testicular and Prostate (men)
- Sensory screenings
- Eyesight
- Hearing
- Immunisations
- Influenza
- Shingles
- Hepatitis A & B
Do you regularly see a broad range of patients with a mix of needs?
If so, why not sign up for our Five-day patient assessment skills workshop? Offering practitioners the chance to enhance their skills in clinical decision making and diagnostic proficiency through CPD, it’s ideal for nurses, paramedics, physiotherapists and pharmacists in particular.
All course material and refreshments are provided, as well as a certificate of attendance. Multiple dates are available between September 2019 and April 2020 and the course takes place at St. Bart’s hospital in London.
