Who needs a health check?
All adults aged above 30 should go for regular health check. Those with high-risk factors (e.g. smoking, drinking, sleep deprivation and inadequate exercise) or a family history of serious illnesses (e.g. cancer and heart disease) can undergo personalised screening according to their needs.
It is often thought that the more items tested, the better is the screening plan. In fact, we all have different physical conditions, which we should understand first in order to choose the suitable plan. Normally, the content of the check-up is subject to the age and gender of the client, and there are elderly health checks designed for common diseases associated with aging. A basic health check should include a physical examination (e.g. measurement of BMI and blood pressure) as well as blood and urine tests. The blood test mainly covers blood sugar and fat levels to assess the risk of cardiovascular diseases, and the urine test mainly serves to evaluate the risk of diabetes and kidney disorder through the detection of sugar and protein in urine. The choice of plan should not just be based on the number of test items, but also take into account your family history, personal needs and lifestyle. Consult your family doctor first for any queries.
Age
The incidence of certain diseases (such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes) is strongly linked to age. Therefore, those above 40 should opt for a more extensive and comprehensive screening plan. After age 50, regular colorectal examinations should be carried out, as well as the prostate antigen test for men and bone densitometry for menopausal women.
Family History
Many diseases like hypertension, diabetes and some types of cancer are hereditary. If your family members have had these diseases, you are recommended to include test items for such areas.
Life Stages
You may have a wide range of health check needs at different stages of your life. If you plan on getting married or having a baby, it is advisable to have a pre-marital medical test that covers Thalassemia Trait, Hepatitis B and HIV, etc. If you plan to study abroad, migrate or travel to other countries, certain specific health tests may be required.
