A yearly doctor’s check-up can save your life

A significant segment of our population, especially our men, avoid check-ups altogether. Such persons are unwittingly opting for illness over health and, or death over life.

Reasons why people avoid check-ups:

Fear of what may be uncovered.
Don’t like visiting a doctor’s office.
Fear needles and some procedures.
Not covered by medical insurance.
Worried about confidentiality.
Have not identified a doctor that they feel comfortable with.
Feeling in “pink of health”.
Assuming that having been told they were in good health a few years ago, still holds today.

None of the above mentioned reasons can justify not having a check-up.

Some of the benefits of having regular check-ups

To mitigate modifiable risk factors.
Identify illnesses in their early stages.
Early intervention regarding any medical condition generally improves outcomes.
Periodically reviewing a chronic condition reduces the risk of complications.
Allows for counselling.
Reduces overall expenditure on healthcare.
Can keep track of your health – especially blood tests.
Improves the chances of better health and an increased lifespan.
Lessens anxiety associated with doctor’s office visits.
Avail yourself to benefit from the latest medical findings and clinical recommendations.

Some factors that lead to suboptimal health

Cigarette smoke
Poor diet
Excessive alcohol intake
Unprotected sex
Risky activities
Sedentary lifestyle
Lack of exercise
Obesity
Ageing
Hair dyes/ straighteners
Prolonged sitting
Genetics/ Family history
Obstructive sleep apnea
Chronic infections
Cannabis overuse
Environment – occupation/ general
Hearing loss
Eyesight challenges
Compromised socioeconomic status
Poor education
Suboptimal awareness
Depression/ Anxiety
Limited access to healthcare.

Some symptoms that should be of concern

Change in weight – loss or gain
Change in appetite – increase or decrease
Swelling of leg(s), joints, hands, abdomen, neck, face, other
Leg pain
Change in urine pattern
Change in bowel habits, and, or stool’s shape/ consistency
Blood in stool, urine, sputum
Post-menopausal bleeding
Spotting from the vagina between periods
Change in colour of stool or urine
Light headedness, dizziness, fainting, seizure
Yellow eyes
Generalized itching
Slurred speech, weakness
Difficulty swallowing
Chronic hoarseness
New lump(s) or change in characteristics of an existing lump
Daytime tiredness
Shortness of breath/ persistent cough
Pain – chest, abdomen, pelvis, head, back, limbs, breast, testicles, other
Ulcers – mouth, throat, breast, skin
Persistent fever
Depression/ anxiety
Confusion
Hallucinations – visual, auditory
Numbness
Sudden change in vision
Nipple discharge
Any breast changes
Recent onset tremors
Skin discolouration, dimpling, rash, warmth, pain
Other.

Preparing for your check-up

Make a list of health concerns.
Gather information regarding your family’s medical history.
Carry a list of all current medications (prescription and non-prescription), vitamins, and supplements.
Be in a position to share with your doctor your allergies – medicines/ foods/ other; medical and surgical history; immunization history; past test results.

Tailoring your medical check-up

The type of check-up that you need depends on:

Current and past medical/ surgical/ occupational history
Age
Gender at birth
Lifestyle
Family history
Genetics
Smoking, alcohol, drug history
Other.

What a check-up involves (specifics determined by your doctor)

Physical Exam – BP/ Pulse/ Weight/ General examination.

Investigations

● Urinalysis
● Complete Blood Count (CBC)
● Kidney Function
● Liver Function
● Fasting Blood Sugar & HbA1c
● Lipid profile
● ESR/ CRP
● Thyroid Function
● Prostatic Specific Antigen (PSA)
● Mammogram
● PAP smear
● Stool – Occult blood/ DNA screen
● Colonoscopy
● H. pylori
● Vitamin – B12/ D/ Folic Acid
● STD screen
● Eye/ Dental/ Hearing Exam
● Low-dose lung CT scan (Smokers)
● Ultrasound – abdominal/ pelvic
● Digital Rectal Examination (in select individuals)
● Exercise stress test.

Adult Medical Check-up

● First at age 18.
● Second at 21. Then every 2-3 years up to 39. From 40 every 1-2 years. Yearly from 50.
● Those with a chronic illness should be seen every 3-4 months.
● Colonoscopy every 10 years from 45 to 75.
● Osteoporosis check after the age of 65 for women and 70 for men.

Women over 21

● PAP smear – Every three years, once the previous PAP is normal, up to 65.
Or
● PAP smear and HPV screening – Every 5 years after 30 up to 65.
● Even if sexually active, no need for a PAP smear before 21.
● Discuss with the doctor the need for a PAP smear beyond 65.
● Pelvic Exam – Usually done at the time of PAP smear.
● Clinical breast exam – This can be done every 1-3 years from 25 to 39 then every year thereafter.
● Mammograms – From 40 to 75. Every 1-2 years depending on one’s risk.

Men over 40

● Prostate exam – A PSA yearly. DRE is only recommended for men who have prostate-related symptoms. Discuss with your doctor the need for screening beyond the age of 75.
● Abdominal ultrasound if over 65 in smokers (screening for aortic aneurysm).

Persons over 75

● Yearly general examination; blood tests – CBC, blood sugar, lipid profile, thyroid, kidney, liver, calcium, B12, D, folic acid; stool – occult blood/ DNA; clinical breast exam; low- dose lung CT scan for smokers/ former smokers.
● Selective mammography, colonoscopy, and abdominal ultrasound as determined by the doctor.
● Bone density every 2-5 years.

Author: Dr. C. Malcolm Grant – Family Physician, c/o Family Care Clinic, Arnos Vale. Former tutor, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of the West Indies, Cave Hill, Barbados.
For appointments: clinic@familycaresvg.com, 1(784)570-9300, (Office), 1(784)455-0376 (WhatsApp)

Disclaimer: The information provided in the above article is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.
Dr. C. Malcolm Grant, Family Care Clinic or The Searchlight
Newspaper, or their associates, respectively, are not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information provided above.