Men's Health Checks - Introduction to Health Checks

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Do you have a computer? Have you installed anti-virus software to protect it from innumerable computer viruses and worms? Of course you want to prevent disastrous data loss before it's too late, but how about your own health?

Do you own a car? Do you take your car for regular check-ups to see if there is any hidden problem in the brake system and if anything needs fixing before it goes worst? Of course you want to arrive home safe and sound, but have you ever thought that your own body also deserves such kind of "service"?

Many studies show that men are less likely to visit a doctor without being prompted. They tend to ignore warning signs about their health, only to discover serious illnesses when they have caused damage beyond repair. By then, it is too late for a cure. Many important diseases like hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Results of the Population Health Survey 2014/15 of the Department of Health showed that 46.5%, 27.4% and 44.9% of the male surveyed did not have their blood cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar checked in the preceding 5 years. Also, 49.6% of the male with high blood pressure did not know they had the disease.

What to check for?

The doctor will give you advice on the health check items according to your age, sex, health conditions and family history. In general, the doctor will start with a full medical history and physical examination, including checking the body weight, height, blood pressure and heart rate. The doctor may then recommend further investigations like blood tests for sugar, fat and cholesterol, electrocardiogram or chest x-ray, etc as indicated.

How can I make full use of the health checks?

The doctor has to understand your need before arranging a health check. However, many men may find it difficult to talk to their doctors. You can consider the following tips to improve the communication:

Before health checks: Write down your symptoms and problems. This could remind yourself and help present embarrassing issues to the doctors.
During health checks: Ask more questions. During health checks, it is a good chance to discuss your health concerns with your doctor.
After health checks: Pay attention to the report and ask the doctor for advice and schedule for follow up.

Tips for health checks

During health checks, you can discuss the following questions with your doctor:
- Weight control
- Healthy diet
- Physical activities
- Stress management
- Sex life
- Quitting tips for tobacco, alcohol and drugs
Your doctor will give you advice according to your questions and make referral when indicated.
Don't worry if the doctor recommends you to have further investigation. This will help you to detect problems early and take appropriate remedies. You may wish to collect the following information for reference:
- The purpose of the investigation
- The procedures of the investigation
- Any side effects of the investigation
- How the investigation results would help with your health problems