Connecting with your health

In this minisode I talk about the health checks we should be having on a regular basis.

I recorded this episode about an hour after having my biannual mammogram and ultrasound, and it prompted me to have a chat about looking after our health.

A big part of being connected with self is knowing what’s going on with our bodies and looking after ourselves from a medical perspective.

Did you know that while most women see a doctor at least once a year, men tend to go far less frequently, have shorter visits and often only to go when their illness is in its later stages. Presumably because by then the symptoms are too bad to continue ignoring!

As we get older, we should all be having an annual health check to help stay on top of things.

Having an annual check-up can identify early if you have symptoms that might lead to diabetes, some cancers, osteoporosis, glaucoma and many more. Finding out early can often save your life.

What to get checked

• Blood pressure
• Blood tests for cholesterol, triglicerides and a fasting blood sugar test for diabetes.
• Urine tests for kidney health
• Sexual health
• A complete skin check every year
• Breast checks
• Mammogram and breast ultrasounds
• Pap smears
• Testicular and prostate checks
• Stool samples for bowel cancer
• Bone density
• Hormone checks
• Eye examination
• Dental check-ups.

You also need to monitor your weight, as being overweight is also a significant risk factor for heart disease and diabetes.

Let’s not forget mental health.

Your GP or physician is an excellent person to see first when seeking professional mental health support. They can make a diagnosis, prescribe medication, draw up a Mental Health Care Plan so you can get a Medicare rebate for psychological treatment and refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist if you need further support.

What to do after your health checks

Once you have had your health checks it’s important you understand the results and what they mean both short term and long term. Questions you should be asking are:

• What do the results mean?
• Do I need follow-up tests? When? How often? Make a diary note so you don’t forget
• Do I need to be taking medication? What will happen if I don’t?
• Do I need to see a specialist? What for? How quickly?

When was the last time you had a complete check up? If it’s been a while why not make an appointment today? And if it’s been a while, you might want to ask for an extended consultation time so you can get through the list.

You can connect with me on LinkedIn or Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #thisconnectedlife and tagging me @melkettle

Or you can email me – mel@melkettle.com

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