Feeling well doesn’t always mean everything is well. Some of the most common health problems can develop silently, without obvious symptoms, until they become harder to manage. That’s why preventive health checks matter: they can help identify potential problems early, when there is often more you can do to reduce your risk. Here are five health checks worth keeping on your radar.
- Know your blood pressure. High blood pressure often has no glaringly obvious symptoms, but over time it can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems.
- Check your blood sugar and cholesterol. These simple checks can identify risks for diabetes and cardiovascular disease before you feel unwell. The exact tests and frequency should depend on your age, risk factors, and medical history.
- Keep an eye on your waistline, not just your weight. BMI can be useful as a broad screening measure, but waist circumference gives additional information about abdominal fat and metabolic risk.
- Don’t forget the health checks you can’t see. Depending on your age, sex, and risk factors, this could include kidney function, liver function, cervical screening, breast screening, prostate discussions, or other age-appropriate checks.
- Know your health history and keep prevention up to date. Know your family history, check that your vaccinations are current, and tell your healthcare provider about conditions that run in your family. Your personal and family history can help determine which screening tests you actually need.
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