Health Screening

What Is Health Screening?

It is an periodic evaluation of the body system to determine an individual's health status. It consists of varied procedures which the physician uses to asses the individual's well being.


What Are The Benefits of Health Screening?

1. Allows early detection of diseases previously unknown to the patient. They include heart disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and cancer which are the leading causes of death in developed countries and often have no sympton until the advanced stages when treatment may be too late.
   
   
2. Promote health consciousness among patients.
   
   
3. A comprehensive health screening program that helps in early disease detection is more cost effective than treating the disease itself
   
   
   

What Does Health Screening Involve?

A basic health screening program includes the following :-

1. Review of medical history
   It is an initial interview to determine the patient's previous medical illness, family medical history and present medical symptoms and medications.
   
   
2. Laboratory tests
   Laboratory tests reveal disease and internal status not easily detected by physical examination. It also helps in making accurate diagnosis, assessment of disease status and monitoring the effect of treatment.
   
   
3. Physical examination
   
   
4. Pap smear
   
   
5. ECG
   
   
6. X-ray
   
   
7. Ultrasound
   
   

Who Should Go For Health Screening?

All adults can and should go for health screening. It is particularly recommended for those with a family history of serious illness, those above 40 years of age, and those with high risk of developing significant disease due to diet, lifestyle, nature of work, environment or other circumstances.


How Often Should One Go For Health Screening?

Below 40 years of age - once every 2 years or when necessary
40 years and above - annually


.