9 WELLNESS SCREENING TESTS TO GET CHECKED ANNUALLY
What’s on the surface can only tell us so much. That’s why it’s worth seeing your physician for an annual check-up even if you feel fine. Vital measures such as blood pressure, heart rate and temperature are always useful measures of health, but a more comprehensive check-up is worth considering for your long-term health.
What’s on the surface can only tell us so much. That’s why it’s worth seeing your physician for an annual check-up even if you feel fine. Vital measures such as blood pressure, heart rate and temperature are always useful measures of health, but a more comprehensive check-up is worth considering for your long-term health.
Blood tests will often be recommended by your doctor as part of an annual wellness exam or if they suspect you may have an underlying condition. Blood tests are relatively-painless and are a quick in-and out-service that can provide your doctor with a wealth of information about your health. More importantly, they can help your doctor detect any potential disease processes that may be active in your body.
Doctors Express has a full on-site lab for your convenience, so you can be sure of receiving your results promptly.
Recommended annual bloodwork:
1. Metabolic panel/CMP – A routine check providing information on blood sugar (glucose) level and the balance of electrolytes and fluids. This can show your hydration status, liver function and kidney health.
2. Complete blood count (CBC) – A routine complete blood count checking the levels of 12 different components including white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. This test can determine if you are suffering from anaemia or infection.
3. Essential nutrients – Have your iron/ferritin, vitamin D, vitamin B12 and magnesium levels checked annually. These are essential nutrients for your physical health and mental wellbeing.
4. Lipid panel – Measuring your good and bad cholesterol, known as HDL and LDL, as well as your total cholesterol and triglycerides. The results of this test help us to predict your risk of developing serious health conditions, such as heart disease and stroke in the future.
5. Sexually Transmitted Infections – Some STIs have no symptoms, so testing is the only way to know for sure if you have one. If you’re sexually active, talk with your doctor about getting tested.
6. HBa1c – This is a measure of how well controlled your blood sugar has been over the past 3 months. A high HBa1c indicates prolonged, high glucose levels putting you at a higher risk of diabetes and diabetic complications such as kidney failure, eye conditions and poor circulation in your eyes and feet.
7. Thyroid tests – If you are experiencing fatigue, persistent nervousness, anxiety, irritability, unexplained weight gain, mood swings or difficulty sleeping, you may have an undiagnosed thyroid condition. Fortunately, a simple blood test can tell your doctor whether your thyroid is functioning normally – or not.
If any of the above tests show abnormal measures, your physician will arrange further tests. If your circumstances put you at particular risk of developing a condition, or if you have a family history of disease, more tests might be warranted. These could include:
8. Inflammatory markers – Tests for inflammatory conditions including, arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases and more can be done to aid diagnosis and to monitor treatment. Tests include ESR, high sensitivity CRP rheumatoid factor and autoantibodies.
9. Age-related blood tests
Your chances of developing some diseases increase as you get older, so it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about annual wellness screenings, even if you’re feeling great.
Tips for bloodwork:
– Come in the morning for your test and don’t forget to fast for 8-12 hours prior to your test.
– Drink plenty of water the day before to keep your body hydrated for easier blood flow.
– Check your Doctors Express online portal afterward to review the results yourself.
– Keep warm for easier blood flow.
Do you need a test?
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