Why Women Must Not Take Preventive Health Check-Ups Lightly

A majority of people ignore their health due to hectic schedules. It’s vital to take steps to ensure wellness proactively. One such step is regular preventive medical check-ups. We tell you the importance of these check-ups and their role in promoting a healthier and more joyful existence. Preventive health check-ups also referred to as preventive screenings or medical examinations, are thorough health evaluations intended to pinpoint possible health threats and uncover diseases or conditions at an early stage, typically before any signs show up.

These check-ups act as a proactive approach aimed at reducing the severity of diseases by prioritizing prevention, early detection, and immediate treatment. Preventive health check-ups consist of a variety of tests, assessments, and discussions with experts. Distinct from diagnostic tests, the main objective of preventive check-ups is to spotlight potential health threats and uncover diseases or conditions in their initial stages and sometimes even before symptoms emerge with an emphasis on prevention, early detection, and prompt action to lessen the impact of diseases.

Why Preventive Health Check-Ups Is Must For Sustaining Optimal Health

After women have given birth, their visits to doctors often decrease as they are young and may not have any immediate health concerns. Many women mistakenly believe that if they have no complaints or issues, there is no need to visit a doctor regularly. However, it is crucial for women to understand that regular visits to a doctor, at least once a year, are essential as a preventive measure for overall health checks. By proactively seeking medical attention, women can avoid unexpected health surprises or complications that may arise in the future. Regular check-ups enable doctors to monitor and assess various aspects of a woman's health, including reproductive health, hormonal balance, and general well-being. It is important to prioritize these visits to ensure early detection of any potential health issues and to maintain optimal health throughout different stages of life.

Preventive health screenings are vital for early disease detection and fostering overall health. These screenings consist of various medical evaluations, tests, and examinations conducted on people who show no obvious health problems. By being proactive about their health, people can discover potential health hazards and take the needed measures to prevent diseases from worsening. Recognizing risk factors before symptoms manifest is a key aspect of preventive health screenings. By concentrating on preventative actions, individuals can take control of their well-being and strive to avert or lessen the effects of potential illnesses.

Regular health screenings can assist in identifying a variety of diseases at an early stage. These include various types of cancer (such as breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, prostate, and skin), cardiovascular ailments (like coronary artery disease, hypertension, and high cholesterol), diabetes, osteoporosis, and sexually transmitted infections (including HIV, syphilis, gonorrhoea, and chlamydia). They can also help detect kidney disease, hepatitis, respiratory issues (such as asthma, COPD, and lung infections), thyroid problems, and eye conditions (like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration). These preventive measures incorporate tests like screenings, blood work-ups, imaging procedures, and physical assessments.

Prioritizing preventive health care is crucial for sustaining optimal health: This approach contributes to overall wellness by identifying diseases early, promoting disease prevention, offering tailored health advice, addressing mental health issues, managing chronic conditions, and providing peace of mind. By focusing on preventive care, people can actively safeguard their health, lower the likelihood of complications, and improve their overall quality of life.

Views expressed are the author's own.

Authored by Dr Sucheta Parte, Consultant - Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Lullanagar