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IN THE RING OF LIFE: A NEED FOR HEALTH CHECK UP II

This post is a continuation and concluding part of the two-part series on health check-up. If you haven’t read the first part yet, please access it via https://reflectiveseedsbycounsellorseyram.blogspot.com/2024/04/in-ring-of-life-need-for-health-check.html

The first part discusses six reasons why one needs to undergo regular health check-ups. These include the fact that it is cost effective; exposes health conditions which are then managed to help alleviate negative effects; helps to detect most life threatening conditions which happen progressively; helps to safeguard oneself against risk factors; helps one to put one’s mind at rest about one’s state of health; and helps one to appreciate the fact that health is one’s wealth.

The present text will present some important tests one can request for at the hospital as part of health screening.

1. Mental Health Screening: This comprises the use of assessment tests or tools, questionnaire, interview and/or physical examination to assess the mental wellbeing of the individual. Some tests look for general signs of the most common mental disorders while others look for signs related to specific types of disorders. Abnormal indicators may reveal a number of disorders namely: mood disorders, which include depression, bipolar disorder, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and self-harm; anxiety disorders, which include panic disorder, phobias, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) often common in children; eating disorders, which include anorexia and bulimia; attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) commonly in children; post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); personality disorders; substance use disorders, which include alcohol use disorder and drug use and addiction; as well as psychotic disorders, which include schizophrenia.

2. Hemogram or Complete Blood Count: It comprises a routine blood count test for measuring the component levels of every major blood cell in your body. Abnormal levels give indication of lack of enough blood cells, nutritional deficiencies (vitamin B6/B12), inflammations, heart diseases, iron deficiency, infections and arthritis.

3. Lipid Profile: It is a panel of blood tests for finding out the levels and abnormalities in the body lipids like cholesterol and triglycerides. Abnormal levels give indication of heart disease, risk of heart attack, stroke and monitoring body’s response to treatment, pancreatitis and hypothyroidism.

4. Diabetes Panel: This is also a panel of blood tests for determining sugar levels. The test results give a comprehensive assessment of blood sugar levels meant for diagnosing diabetes, detecting prediabetes condition and monitoring diabetes treatment.

5. Thyroid Panel: This set of blood tests evaluate the performance of your thyroid - the way it is producing or reacting to hormones. Abnormal levels give indication of low levels of protein, thyroid growth disorders, abnormal levels of testosterone or oestrogen.

6. Liver Panel: These blood tests check for substances produced by the liver like enzymes, proteins, among others. Abnormal levels give indication of fatty liver, hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, bone metabolic disorders.

7. Essential Nutrients: These blood tests are done to check for the levels of minerals and vitamins in the body. They are required in adequate amounts for optimal functioning of the body. Abnormal levels give indication of high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis and osteoporosis toxicity.

8. Electrolytes Panel: These are basic blood tests for measuring the levels of mineral compounds in the bloodstream. Abnormal levels give indication of malnutrition, dehydration, hormonal imbalances and seizures.

9. Bone Mineral Test (BMT): This test is meant for checking bone health and diagnosing the risk of developing bone related problems. Abnormal levels give indication of bone damage, fracture and weakened skeletal structure.

10. Cancer Screening: This comprises various tests for detecting cancers in children, women and men at their early stages. Abnormal levels give indication of breast or cervical cancer in women, prostate cancer in men and biopsies and specialised tests for cancer in children.

11. Oral Health Screening: This involves visual and manual inspection of the mouth conducted to identify oral disease or other oral conditions that may require management. Abnormalities give indication of delayed tooth eruption or premature tooth loss, abscesses, or trauma from injury.

12. ENT Examination: This involves assessment of the Ear, Nose and Throat. Abnormalities give indication of ear infection or hearing loss and chronic sinusitis. It also involves the inspection of gums and buccal mucosa and the oropharynx with a tongue depressor and palpation of the neck.

The human body is composed of several delicate and intricate parts which constantly need tending to; thus, if any part of it is neglected, it may result in fatal consequences. Remember that no part of your body is less important than the other. As a result, you must be intentional in giving your health the best attention possible.

There is no absolute means to completely evade ill-health as mortal beings however lifestyle diseases and some psychological disorders can be prevented when one intentionally takes responsible care of him or herself. You have only one lifetime; live it well!

References

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