The fact that we are not sick or do not have any chronic illnesses does not necessarily mean that we are always healthy. This is because some types of diseases may not show symptoms in the early stages. Therefore, health check-ups are crucial for taking care of our own bodies. They allow us to identify trends or detect diseases early on, enhancing prevention and treatment opportunities. Proper preparation contributes to accurate and highly effective health check-up results. Today, let's explore how to prepare before undergoing a health examination.
Is Health Check-up Important?
Taking care of our health requires more than just choosing nutritious foods, getting enough rest, and exercising regularly. Preventing diseases also involves health check-ups, which help us notice signs of diseases or abnormalities in their early stages. This early detection allows us to prevent or treat conditions before they escalate. Additionally, health check-ups help us understand our health risks and make necessary lifestyle changes. For example, if high uric acid levels are detected, it may indicate a risk of gout, requiring dietary adjustments such as avoiding poultry and animal organs.
Things to Avoid and Prepare Before Health Check-up:
· Sufficient Rest: Ensure 7-8 hours of rest as inadequate sleep can affect blood sugar and blood pressure levels, potentially leading to inaccurate test results.
· Fasting: Refrain from consuming food and beverages, as certain tests require fasting. The duration depends on the type of test, such as 8-12 hours for blood sugar and lipid profile tests. However, drinking water is usually allowed. Tests that do not require fasting include complete blood count, immune system check, liver and kidney function tests, and thyroid tests.
· Medications: Continue taking regular medications, such as blood pressure or diabetes medications. However, inform the healthcare provider about the medications and provide personal health documents.
· No Smoking: Avoid smoking for at least 2 hours before the examination, as smoking can increase blood pressure.
· No Alcohol: Avoid alcohol consumption for at least 24 hours before the health check-up.
· Comfortable Clothing: Wear loose-fitting clothes that allow easy arm folding for blood tests.
· Pregnancy Notification: Pregnant women should inform healthcare providers due to potential risks associated with certain examinations. Non-pregnant women may skip examinations during menstruation to prevent blood loss and dilution of blood, affecting test accuracy.
Choosing a Health Check-up Program:
Health check-up programs vary based on individual health, age, gender, health history, and specific disease risks. Understanding the diversity of programs helps determine the most suitable one. Programs include:
· Basic Health Check-up: Comprehensive general health examination covering overall physical examination by a doctor, blood tests, organ function assessment (kidneys, heart), urine analysis, and vision testing. Suitable for university students or those recently entering the workforce.
· Specialized Health Check-up: Focused on specific organs, systems, or diseases, such as heart health, cancer screenings, internal organ examinations, bone and joint assessments, and more. Ideal for individuals with higher risks, such as those with stress, abnormal blood pressure, digestion issues, frequent urination, or bowel problems.
· Pre-Employment Health Check-up: Screens employees for general health, assessing various systems in the body. Includes physical examination, blood tests, urine analysis, and X-rays if necessary.
· Health Check-up for Pregnant Women: Vital for ensuring the well-being of both mother and baby, covering general health, blood tests, internal examinations, and pregnancy planning.
· Women's Health Check-up: Designed to detect abnormalities and diseases prevalent in women, including cervical cancer, uterine fibroids, breast cancer, and osteoporosis.
Regular health check-ups are essential for maintaining overall well-being and preventing potential health issues. Choose the program that aligns with your specific health needs and risks.
Health examination is not merely about detecting diseases; it is an investment in ensuring a long and healthy life, preventing illnesses, and avoiding future healthcare expenses. However, to achieve precise and efficient test results, it is essential to emphasize proper preparation. One crucial factor is selecting a suitable health check-up program, enabling us to take care of ourselves for the best outcomes.
For more information, please visit: https://www.krungthai-axa.co.th/th/health-advisories
References:
· Phyathai Hospital
· Vibhavadi Hospital
· MediBuddy
· Chularat 9 Airport Hospital
