Keeping up to date with routine checks is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce health risks and boost physical and mental well-being. If you’re guilty of ignoring reminders, or it’s been a long time since you went to see a doctor or dentist, now is the time to schedule some appointments. Here are some essential checks to add to your diary.
Dental examinations
Dental examinations enable dentists to check for signs and symptoms of oral diseases, as well as general health conditions. A healthy mouth can increase your chances of maintaining a healthy body. Poor oral health is linked to an elevated risk of heart disease, and it can also exacerbate symptoms of type 2 diabetes and cause complications during pregnancy. Ideally, you should visit your dentist every 6-12 months. During a routine check, your dentist will look at your teeth, gums, lips and tongue, noting down any changes since your last appointment. Regular checks are important as they help dental teams to identify and diagnose dental problems as early as possible. As well as checking for gum disease, tooth decay and issues like bad breath, dentists will also look for early warning signs of oral cancer.
Hearing tests
We often assume that hearing loss only affects older people, but it can impact all ages. If you’ve noticed that your hearing has deteriorated, or you’re finding it harder to hear, it’s wise to schedule an appointment. Hearing assessments are designed to see how well you can hear. You may also be advised to have additional tests to check if there is an underlying cause of hearing loss, such as an infection or a buildup of wax. If there is no clear cause, you may be encouraged to consider using hearing aids. Hearing aids are an effective treatment for hearing loss and they can have an incredibly positive impact on health and well-being. Signs of hearing loss include turning up the volume on the radio or TV, struggling to hear when there is background noise, finding it hard to follow conversations and missing what people are saying.
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Blood pressure checks
When was the last time you had your blood pressure checked? High and low blood pressure can contribute to severe health problems if left untreated. There are often no obvious signs of high blood pressure, which is why regular checks are beneficial. If your blood pressure is high, this can increase the risk of stroke, heart attacks and heart failure. If your blood pressure is too low, you may feel dizzy, light-headed and lethargic. Blood pressure checks take a few seconds and you’ll get the results instantly. In many cases, high blood pressure can be managed with lifestyle changes, including doing more exercise, eating healthily and avoiding smoking and drinking excessively. In some cases, medication may be prescribed.
Attending regular, routine health checks is important for good physical and mental health. If you’re one of those people who usually ignore invitations and reminders, now is the time to make some calls. Keeping up to date with tests and assessments can lower the risk of health problems and maximize the chances of successful treatment if you do develop symptoms or feel unwell.