When I adopted a pair of twins, one of the first things that struck me was how many doctor's appointments they needed to go to. As we took them to all of their baby well-checks, I realised that these appointments were designed to find and address issues early before they caused other problems. Fortunately, our family paediatrician found a few critical problems that we were able to resolve head-on, and it was immensely helpful. Check out this blog for information about health care, preventative care, and helping your child to enjoy a better life. I know that some of these tips helped me, and I know that they can help you too.
You should always be proactive about your medical care, and that includes getting routine medical tests. Timely medical testing can help you catch serious health problems early when they're more treatable.
Here are a few routine medical tests to consider.
Blood Pressure Test
High blood pressure damages the lining of your arteries, making it easier for plaque to build up. This can lead to a heart attack or stroke when a blood clot forms.
High blood pressure can be present for years without any symptoms, which is why it's often called the "silent killer." In most cases, it's a combination of genetics, diet, and stress. That's why it's important to get your blood pressure checked regularly.
A blood pressure test is quick, painless, and important for monitoring your overall health. Your doctor will take your blood pressure using a cuff that wraps around your arm. This device measures how much force your blood has against the walls of your arteries.
Normal blood pressure is below 120/80 mmHg. If your systolic blood pressure (the top number) is 140 or higher, or your diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) is 90 or higher, you have high blood pressure.
There are treatments available to help lower your blood pressure, so it's important to get checked if you think you may be at risk. If you have high blood pressure, your doctor may also recommend lifestyle changes, such as exercising more, eating a healthier diet, and quitting smoking.
Diabetes Test
If you have diabetes, your body can't properly use the insulin it produces. This causes sugar to build up in your blood instead of being used for energy. Over time, this can damage your organs, including your heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves.
You may not have any symptoms in the early stages of diabetes, which is why it's important to get tested. However, some people with diabetes may experience increased thirst, hunger, urination, fatigue, and blurred vision.
There are two main types of diabetes –– type I and type II. Type I diabetes is more commonly diagnosed in children and young adults, while type II is more common in adults over the age of 40. Both these conditions have no cure, but they can be managed with lifestyle changes and medication.
If you're over the age of 40, your doctor may recommend a diabetes test. This test measures your blood sugar levels to see if you have diabetes. The most common test is the fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test.
For this test, you fast for at least eight hours before having your blood sugar levels checked. A normal fasting blood sugar level is below 100 mg/dl. If your blood sugar level is 126 mg/dl or higher, you have diabetes.
If you have diabetes, your doctor will work with you to create a treatment plan. This may include changes to your diet, exercise, and medication. With proper treatment, you can manage your diabetes and reduce your risk of complications.
To learn more, contact a company such as Industrial Health Medical Group.
Share28 July 2022
