Being health-conscious doesn’t just mean visiting the gym and following diets. It also means making sure you are healthy from within and that all your organs are functioning well. The best way to do so is by getting regular blood tests done and going for check-ups (annual/six-monthly) and consulting your doctor for any issues you might spot during the check-ups.
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12 easy ways to look after your health.
COMMON BLOOD TESTS:
ROUTINE BLOOD TEST:
CBC – A Complete Blood Count that measures the haemoglobin levels and counts your red and white blood cells.
This blood test will help you know if you are anaemic, or suffering from an infection.
BSL – A test that’s usually advised by a doctor to check your Blood Sugar Levels. People with a hectic daily schedule, who don’t follow a set eating and sleeping pattern and whose diet includes more of junk food (because of their schedules) are advised to take this test. So, if you belong to this category, do enquire with your family physician about it.
LIPID PROFILE – This test measures your cholesterol, LDL (Bad cholesterol), HDL (Good cholesterol), and triglycerides (fats) in your blood). This test is for those who have a poor diet, follow no exercise regimen and have irregular sleeping patterns. Excess levels of these fats is harmful for your health. It clogs arteries and keeps your heart from functioning normally.
SERUM TSH ( THYROID) – TSH is the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone. This test checks if your thyroid gland is functioning well. Higher levels of this hormone in your blood could mean an under-active thyroid, and lower levels could mean a hyper-active thyroid.
URINE – Routine and Microscopy exam – This is advised to check for any Urinary Tract Infections, kidney problems and diabetes.
SERUM CALCIUM – To check your calcium levels.
VITAMIN D3 – To check your Vitamin D3 levels.
VITAMIN B12 – To check your Vitamin B12 levels, if you experience weakness and fatigue.
USG – Ultra Sonography – To study your internal organs like abdomen and pelvis, the uterus and the ovaries.
*Based on the results of the above tests (BSL, Lipid Profile, TSH), your doctor will advise you on how often you need to go for these tests. Usually, if all the reports come out normal, you could repeat it yearly, or once every two years, depending on your lifestyle and overall health.
OTHER IMPORTANT CHECK-UPS:
BREAST EXAMINATION – Checking your breasts for any abnormalities is best done by yourself at home. This will help you stay aware of any changes that you might notice in your breasts. Visit your gynaec if you do notice any changes in the breast’s appearance.
DENTAL CHECK-UP – A six-monthly dental examination will help in maintaining your overall oral health and hygiene.
ANNUAL EYE CHECK-UP – An annual eye check-up is most necessary today because of the number of gadgets we use. Staring at a screen for long duration can dry your eyes. It is advised to blink regularly and take regular breaks while using the laptop. So, if you work with the computer/laptop or are addicted to your smartphone, it’s best to get your eye health checked regularly.
These are some of the tests we need to get done on a regular basis. Mark your calendars or set a reminder in your phone, but do take care of yourself.
Love,
SHILPA…
I am participating in the April A to Z Blogging Challenge, and my theme this year is ‘SELF-CARE’.
You will find all the posts here.
I’ve learned the importance of health check ups very recently. Last quarter Tuneer and I kept falling sick almost every 10days.it was as if we had taken turns to be ill. Our immune system went for a toss. My doctor said that I had developed low BP and my hemoglobin count was low. Had I been doing regular check ups, this would have been detected long back and u wouldn’t have suffered so much.
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Our immune system is the first to suffer when we don’t pay attention to our health. It’s what I too realised the hard way. Now, too, I know my BP is on the lower side, as is my sugar.So, I need to pay attention to what I eat, lest I collapse someday!
And, the reason I wrote this post was to push me to get out there and go get my blood tests done on time. 🙂
Will be doing it soon!
You take care, Sonia!
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Both of you are low on BP? Woah! Please include me in your tribe as well! 😛 Low BP & chronic iron-deficiency anemia!
Yupp, regular medical checks are a must after 35, especially with the kind of lifestyle we have. Mine is due in May.
Informative post, Shilpa!
Find my H post @ 10 Favorite Harry Potter Characters
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Health check are a must, and so often we ignore them at the pretext of life taking over. Or only do them when we fall sick.
Good tips Shilpa.
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True, Natasha. Writing this post made me realise I need to go for mine soon!
Thank you! ❤
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The husband and I do complete health checks every year. The blood tests you mentioned must not only be done if you feel low but also as a regular practice to catch any diseases when they are starting out.
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That’s such a good practice, Rach! 🙂
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I must confess I only have health checks if the surgery contacts me, which is very rarely! I know I should though.
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Oh yes, you should! We all should. Wonder why we take things for granted! 🙂
Thank you for visiting, Keith!
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Food for thought. And, true health is way more than just slimming down.
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Oh yes, it is! Sadly, it’s something people fail to understand. 😦
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Thanks for this handy list, Shilpa.
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You are most welcome, Shalini!
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That is really informative. A lot of us don’t take regular health checkups seriously. Thanks for listing the important tests here.
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Thank you, Reema!
Take care of your health! 🙂
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Oh yes, regular health check-up is a must for all. We certainly should get a comprehensive medical check-up done once every year.
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Yes, Shilpa. It’s actually a reminder for me, too! 🙂
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Good list, Shilpa! And everyone must get a full health check every year. We may seem healthy but you never know what’s going on inside that miracle we call our body. My type 2 diabetes diagnosis came as a complete shock to me–until I realized it runs in the family and I can never run away from it. Self care = health care.
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Oh how true….we never know what goes on within. It’s only because I came across these tests few years back that I urged hubby to get his tests done and we discovered he had high sugar and cholesterol.
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