45-49 Health Check
Entering middle age presents a whole host of new health challenges for many people. Having a good grasp of your current state of health, and a relationship with a GP who is familiar with your medical history can help you navigate middle age and the future more easily.
45-49 year old health checks are highly recommended by medical bodies and most GPs. This is a turning point in your life when you have a chance to make the lifestyle changes required to prevent the development of chronic diseases, or at least delay their onset.
Why do I need to get a 45-49 year old health check?
This assessment is for patients “at risk of developing chronic disease”. The decision rests on a clinical judgment made by the GP. This check will also allow the GP more time to take specific notice of areas which are hard to cover in a normal consultation and provide the opportunity to raise any concerns that you may have about your health. Our practice nurse will perform the assessment and then you will see your regular GP to complete the assessment. Factors to consider include, but are not limited to:
- lifestyle risks, such as smoking, physical inactivity, poor nutrition or alcohol use
- biomedical risks, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, impaired glucose metabolism or excess weight
- a family history of a chronic disease.
What is involved in a 45-49 year old health check?
The assessment includes a check of your physical and mental health, finding out about your physical activity level, as well as nutrition, and a skin check to identify any moles or freckles which may have changed or be unusual looking. Your doctor may also suggest a blood test to check for things such as your cholesterol levels. You will also be given a short questionnaire to determine if you are at risk of Type 2 diabetes. Your doctor will go through this with you once completed.
But, I am healthy. Do I need a health check?
If you feel you are at a healthy point in your life, this can be the best time to go and see your doctor. We use the information as a benchmark, if your health starts to veer from this point, we have a map to navigate back towards the healthiest you! Additionally, health checks often include bloodwork and other screening tests. Even though you may feel healthy, some of these tests may indicate otherwise.
Remember, being active towards preventative health is the best thing you can do to increase the likelihood that you will have optimal health and wellbeing for as long as possible!