What is one hour a year, give or take two hours, spent at the doctor getting a regular wellness check-up for the sake of good health?

Many in our society tend to not bother with annual wellness checks because at the time they feel ok and there’s no need for one…or so they think. 

What to expect at a wellness check visit

Your medical provider can guide you through what specific tests and vaccinations you need based on several factors, including your health, your family medical history, and your lifestyle habits. However, expect the following during your visit:

1. Checking of Vital Signs

At the triage, the nurse will take your temperature, blood pressure, height, and weight.

 During the doctor’s consultation, they may listen to your breathing and heart rate.

2. Chat about your medical history

Expect an in-depth conversation about your family history, personal history medications you are currently taking, how often and how long you’ve been on the medications, and symptoms you may have experienced recently.

3. A Physical Examination

The physical examination enables the doctor to check out the major systems in your body like your heart and lungs, chest, limbs, skin, neck, and head.

Expect questions about how you feel and tests to see if your body is functioning normally (ever seen the knee jerk test?) and even tips on how to improve mental health. For women, your doctor will perform a breast exam as a part of your physical checks.

4. Blood Tests

A blood test tells your doctor about your cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels and other important information needed to make a diagnosis.

So why are wellness checks important?

In this quick-read article, we take a look at 5 reasons why, regardless of age, a trip to a medical provider for an annual wellness check-up could be the most important trip you will make in your life.

1. Diagnose diseases at early stages

Through scheduled routine check-ups, a doctor can  keep track of a patient’s health records and diagnose any chronic or severe health conditions. This helps prevent the condition from advancing and worsening.

2. Reduction in Healthcare Costs

Many Kenyans spend millions of shillings per year in the treatment of diseases where the diagnosis is delayed. Ilara Health clinics strive for quality and affordable healthcare for all. Visit our clinics (Haven Park Medical Center in Mwiki and Grace Home Medical Center in Banana)  for your regular wellness check-up or to consult a doctor.

3. To detect diseases that have no apparent symptoms (secondary prevention)

Checking blood pressure, and cholesterol levels as well as doing Pap smear tests for cervical cancer screening are examples of checks that easily identify abnormal results that can lead to effective interventions thereby preventing serious diseases.

4. Increase Your Lifespan

The doctor will have an opportunity to talk to their patient about lifestyle changes they can take to remain healthy and active. They will recommend tips on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle including tips to improve blood circulation and healthy habits.

5. To update clinical data since the last checkup

Updated medical records help medical providers to treat their patients accurately. Every available detail, be it previously or currently recorded, is important. This is because the accumulated information can lead to a diagnosis and treatment. Updated accurate medical records lead to improved patient outcomes

Has this article been your AHA moment? Great! Make today the day you schedule a doctor’s appointment!