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Health check-up: why it is needed and how to get it regularly
Most people see a doctor when they have a problem. But a preventive health checkup can detect illness before symptoms appear, when it is easily treatable. This approach is called preventive medicine—and it is the key to a long, active life without serious complications.
What is a health check?
A health check-up is a set of medical examinations aimed at detecting hidden diseases, assessing body functions and risk factors. It includes laboratory tests, instrumental studies, consultations with specialists, and lifestyle assessment.
«"The best way to treat is timely prevention. A health check is your personal early warning system," emphasizes family doctor Yevheniya Andrushko.
Why regular check-ups are important
Early detection of diseases — cancer, diabetes, hypertension, thyroid diseases may not manifest themselves for years
Control of chronic processes — for those who already have a diagnosis
Risk assessment — heredity, stress, malnutrition, physical inactivity
Forming healthy habits — after consulting a doctor
Prevention is always cheaper and safer than treatment.
What examinations should be performed every year?
| Type of examination | What is needed for |
|---|---|
| Complete blood count | Detection of inflammation, anemia, infections |
| Blood biochemistry | Assessment of liver, kidney, and pancreas function |
| Urine analysis | Urinary system conditions, diabetes, infections |
| Blood sugar | Risk of diabetes |
| Cholesterol and lipid profile | Cardiovascular disease risk assessment |
| ECG | Heart function, heart rhythm |
| Abdominal ultrasound | Liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys |
| Thyroid ultrasound | Hormonal background, nodes, structural changes |
| Vitamin tests (D, B12) | Deficiencies affecting immunity and energy |
For women:
gynecological examination, pelvic ultrasound
Pap test
mammography (after 40 years of age)
For men:
urological examination
PSA analysis (after 45 years)
How often should you have a health check-up?
1 time per year — basic checkup for adults without complaints
2 times a year — in the presence of chronic diseases or risk factors
Quarterly — when taking medications that affect the liver, blood or hormonal levels
Before pregnancy and after childbirth — full preventive examination
«"Most chronic diseases do not occur suddenly, but gradually. They begin with small changes that are easily detected during a routine examination," explains therapist Maryna Shevchenko.
How to prepare for a checkup
Agree on a list of tests with your doctor in advance.
1–2 days before the test - do not consume alcohol, fatty and fried foods
Blood — donated on an empty stomach (8–12 hours without food)
If necessary, take the results of previous examinations
Don't put it off - your body doesn't warn you in advance.
What to do after receiving the results
Discuss them with your doctor — don’t interpret them yourself.
If there are deviations, determine what needs to be changed in your lifestyle.
If necessary, undergo additional examinations or consultations.
Create a «medical record» — save all results for comparison over time
Health check-ups are not for the sick
The most common myth is that you only need to see a doctor when you already have symptoms. But modern medicine is changing its focus: we don't treat diseases, but prevent their development.
A health check is not an obligation, but an investment in your quality of life. When you know that everything is fine with you, it gives you confidence, peace of mind, and allows you to act proactively.
