Have you ever looked at older people and noticed that some of them seem remarkably healthy, while others of the same age appear to be anything but healthy? Maybe you’ve wondered what makes the difference. There are a whole host of answers, but in many cases it comes down to how well the individual took care of their health throughout their life. If you want to be in that first group, you need to take a proactive approach to your health. That means attending regular preventive check ups throughout your life, including the following!
Screen for Cancer
Everyone’s heard the stories of people who had cancer but found out too late to do anything about it. There are also plenty of stories about people who caught their cancer early and were able to beat it as a result. When you should start screening for cancer depends on a few different factors, including the cancer being screened for, your sex, and your level of risk. If your family medical history or lifestyle puts you at higher risk for certain cancers, you’ll likely need to start screening sooner.
Keep Your Dental Health in Shape
Your teeth have an important role to play in your health and your general wellbeing. They’re what allow you to thoroughly chew the food you eat, making it easier for your body to break down and absorb. That’s just one reason why it’s important to make sure they stay healthy. In order to do that, you’ll need to go to the dentist regularly and stay on top of your oral hygiene practices. A lack of prevention can lead to serious issues like periodontal disease. If left unattended, dental problems can lead to severe pain and tooth loss.
Monitor Your Cardiovascular Health
Cardiovascular disease can sneak up on you without you knowing. In fact, high blood pressure is sometimes referred to as a silent killer. There may not be any symptoms that you notice, but that doesn’t mean that nothing is wrong. Because of this, attending regular check ups throughout your life is crucial. Annual health checks are a great chance to check on your blood pressure, heart health, and things like your blood’s cholesterol and troponin levels. By monitoring your cardiovascular health, you give yourself the chance to make lifestyle changes that protect it before it becomes too late.
Attending regular preventive check ups throughout your life is a great first step towards protecting your health in the long run. It can help you screen for cancer, maintain your dental health, and keep tabs on your cardiovascular health. While those aren’t the only things that preventive check ups can do, they’re certainly up there on the list of reasons why those check ups are definitely things you should be going to.
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