Maintaining good health is a crucial aspect of life.

While an active lifestyle can assist in keeping our bodies fit and functional, several disorders and ailments may develop over time due to several reasons, such as genetics, lifestyle choices, age, exposure to environmental pollutants, and more. That’s where preventative medical exams come into play.

What are preventative medical exams?

Preventative medical exams are regular check-ups with a medical practitioner that can help detect health issues before they either cause significant discomfort or become chronic.

These exams aim to identify potential health issues that may not yet be noticeable to the patient. Having regular preventative medical examinations can help identify the causes of symptoms or detect diseases that do not show signs.

Advantages of preventative medical exams

The importance of health prevention exams cannot be underestimated, particularly with more emphasis placed on engaging preventive measures to improve overall health. Here are some of the benefits of preventative medical exams.

1. Early detection of health issues

With preventative medical exams, health issues that may arise are detected much earlier than they would be if you didn’t have these check-ups.

In many cases, early detection is essential to preventing more severe, life-threatening conditions from emerging.

2. Prevention of serious health issues

Preventative medical exams can detect conditions or risk factors that have the potential to become severe if not detected early.

A good example is cancer; regular exams such as mammograms and colonoscopies are vital for early detection and prevention of cancer.

3. Reduction of healthcare costs

Preventative medical exams may save you money in the long run by preventing the need for prolonged and costlier medical interventions that would have been necessary if a condition was not detected early.

When compared to the cost of treating chronic diseases or allied illnesses, which can increase exponentially over time, preventative medical exams can potentially save an individual and their insurance provider a significant sum of money in medical expenses.

4. Improved quality of life

Preventative medical exams positively impact an individual’s health and wellbeing, generally resulting in healthier living and improved quality of life.

By taking preventative measures early on to address and adjust issues, an individual can avoid unnecessary illness and associated symptoms.

What to expect during a preventative medical exam

Preventative medical exams can vary, depending on your age, gender, past medical history, and other factors. Some of the exams commonly recommended by doctors include:.

1. Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Screening

During this exam, your doctor may check your cholesterol levels to determine if any adjustments or dietary changes need to be made. Blood pressure screening can identify high blood pressure, which can lead to other cardiovascular issues.

2. Cancer Screening

Gynecological exam, mammogram, prostate exam, and colonoscopy are among the recommended cancer screening tests at specific ages and for certain risk factors.