In your 20s-40s? Health Checks for Every Body at Every Age
Celebrating a milestone birthday? Your recommended health checks at every age (20s-40s)
Whether it is as purposeful as a New Year’s resolution or simply a quiet moment of reflection, we all like to make sure we stay on course, however that may look.
We evaluate our performance at work, our relationships and our financial position, but how many of us actually evaluate our health?
What are health checks?
Health checks are routine screenings to help identify early warning signs of illness or disease. Depending on the screening, health checks could involve obtaining pathology samples, having a scan or a physical examination.
Why are health checks important?
Health checks are important for patients not experiencing any signs or symptoms of a condition. With early detection, treatment for an illness or disease may be more successful. There is also peace of mind in being proactive about your wellbeing.
Taking the ‘screening scaries’ away
We know health checks are not always high on your priority list, but they could be the difference between early intervention and a more challenging road.
We have compiled a comprehensive list of recommended health checks by age group and outlined what you can expect from each screening.
In your 20s?
Skin checks
- • Self-examination (looking for any new spots, changes to current spots, crusty sores that don’t heal) every three months for patients with a high risk of developing skin cancer
- • In-clinic checks recommended every six months for high-risk patients
- • Determine your risk of developing skin cancer
- • Noticed anything new or different? See us for a chat
STI checks
- • See us for a referral for an STI check if you are sexually active
Cervical screening test
- • Recommended every five years for people with a cervix aged 25+
- • This tests for the presence of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) which can cause cervical cancer
- • What to expect from your screening
Blood pressure reading
- • Recommended every two years
- • This can test for reactions to medication and can be interpreted in the context of an absolute cardiovascular disease assessment
- • Do you have high blood pressure? We are here to help
In your 30s?
Skin checks
- • Self-examination (looking for any new spots, changes to current spots, crusty sores that don’t heal) every three months for patients with a high risk of developing skin cancer
- • In-clinic checks recommended every six months for high-risk patients
- • Determine your risk of developing skin cancer
- • Noticed anything new or different? See us for a chat
STI checks
- • See us for a referral for an STI check if you are sexually active
Blood pressure reading
- • Recommended every two years
- • This can test for reactions to medication and can be interpreted in the context of an absolute cardiovascular disease assessment
- • Do you have high blood pressure? We are here to help
Kidney health check
- • Your doctor will request a blood test, urine test and a blood pressure reading to monitor for signs of kidney disease
- • Every 6 months to one year if you have diabetes, high blood pressure or kidney disease
- • Every two years if you have risk factors (lifestyle & family history)
Cervical screening test
- • Recommended every five years for people with a cervix
- • This tests for the presence of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) which can cause cervical cancer
- • What to expect from your screening
In your 40s?
Skin checks
- • Self-examination (looking for any new spots, changes to current spots, crusty sores that don’t heal) every three months for patients with a high risk of developing skin cancer
- • In-clinic checks recommended every six months for high-risk patients
- • Determine your risk of developing skin cancer
- • Noticed anything new or different? See us for a chat
Lipid profile
- • From age 45: lipid profile (blood test) every two years to monitor your cholesterol levels and assist in calculating your risk of developing cardiovascular disease
- • If you have a high risk of developing cardiovascular disease, you are advised to repeat every 12 months
- • Have high cholesterol? We are here to help
Heart health check
- • From age 45: see us for a referral for a heart health check every two years
- • This screening checks for high blood pressure, high cholesterol or kidney disease
- • Your doctor will check your blood pressure and will request blood and urine tests
Blood pressure reading
- • Recommended every year
- • This can test for reactions to medication and can be interpreted in the context of an absolute cardiovascular disease assessment
- • Do you have high blood pressure? We are here to help
Breast screen
- • Recommended screening from age 40 if you have positive family history or decide after consulting doctors for risk assessment
- • Learn more about your risk level
- • What to expect from your screening
- • See us if you would like to discuss any unusual symptoms
Type 2 diabetes screening
- • Screening every three years from age 40 if your doctor places you at high risk
- • Fasting blood test measuring glucose levels
- • What to expect from your screening
- • Diagnosed with diabetes? We are here to help
Kidney health check
- • Your doctor will request a blood test, urine test and a blood pressure reading to monitor for signs of kidney disease
- • Every year if you have diabetes or high blood pressure
- • Every two years if you have kidney disease risk factors (lifestyle & family history)
Cervical screening test
- • Recommended every five years for people with a cervix
- • This tests for the presence of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) which can cause cervical cancer
- • What to expect from your screening
Are health checks worth it?
General health checks may be an inconvenience or a little uncomfortable at times but are important for a clear snapshot of your health as well as screening for illness or disease. If you would like to speak to a doctor about getting a referral or where you are with your health, we have doctors available 24/7 via video for on demand or scheduled appointments.
We are here to help you stay well.