Health screening is an essential part of any preventive healthcare program. It allows for early detection of illnesses or conditions, significantly reducing the risk of complications.
In Singapore, health screening is a common practice due to its focus on maintaining public health. However, it is worth noting that the specific screenings you will receive will mostly be influenced by your health screening package. Singapore clinics tailor screening programs to suit the varying needs of individuals who seek the services.
It should be noted that regular screening is not just for those feeling unwell. It is crucial even for healthy individuals as many conditions tend to develop silently.
What Does Health Screening Involve?
To begin with, health screening needs vary considerably. The procedures typically involve series of tests tailored to an individual’s age, gender, medical history, and risk factors. Here’s a quick roundup of what health screening involves:
Pre-Screening Consultation
Before undergoing any tests, you will need an appointment with a doctor who will assess your medical history, lifestyle, and family history of illnesses. This helps identify the specific tests you need. For example: If you have a family history of diabetes, blood glucose tests may be prioritized. Smokers or those exposed to pollution might need lung function tests.
Basic Measurements
The screening process often begins with basic assessments which typically includes body measurements, blood pressure and heart rate. Body measurements examine height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) to check for obesity or malnutrition. For blood pressure checks, your provider will pay attention to high or low blood pressure which can signal underlying health issues. For heart rate, they will be measuring your pulse to assess heart function.
Blood Tests
Blood tests are done to assess how your body responds to illness, injury, inflammation, infection, and certain medications. They typically include; cholesterol tests which check the levels of good (HDL) and bad (LDL) cholesterol, blood sugar tests which identify risks of diabetes and complete blood count (CBC) which assesses overall health by measuring red and white blood cells, hemoglobin, and platelets just to mention a few.
Imaging and Diagnostic Tests
These tests are usually recommended as additional tests depending on individual risk factors. Examples of imaging and diagnostic tests you may be recommended includes chest X-ray to examine the lungs and chest activity, ultrasound which is commonly used to scan organs like the liver, kidneys and abdomen as well as the electrocadiogram (ECG) which examines the heart’s health by recording activity. The other diagnostic tests worth mentioning are mammograms which are recommended for women over 40 to detect early signs of breast cancer and bone density tests which assess risk of osteoporosis, especially in older adults.
Once the results are ready, your provider will explain your findings. They will discuss any abnormalities, recommend lifestyle changes, or advise further tests or treatment if needed.
When Should You Go for Health Screening?
Many people fully understand the essence of regular health screenings. The problem is that there is equally a large fraction that do not fully comprehend when to begin their health screenings thus the frequently asked question; when should you go for health screening?
To begin with, the frequency of health screening depends on age, gender, and health status. To answer the question when to go for health screening, young adults between ages 20 and 39 years should start health screnings at age 20.
They should then get tested every 2–3 years if healthy. During these tests, the focus will be mostly on blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar tests. Women may consider Pap smears for cervical cancer.
For middle aged adults between ages 40 and 59 years, screenings should be more frequent, every 1–2 years. They may include tests for diabetes, heart disease, and cancers like colorectal and breast cancer.
Men over 50 should consider prostate health checks. For seniors averaging 60 years plus, annual screenings are highly recommended.
The key focus will mostly be on managing chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. The doctors helping with your health screening in Singapore may recommend adding tests for osteoporosis, vision, and hearing.
If you have risk factors like smoking, obesity, or a family history of illness, you may need more frequent screenings, regardless of age. Speak to a doctor to personalize your health screening schedule.
Is Health Screening Truly Worth it?
A common misconception that leads some people to believe health screenings may not be worthwhile is the assumption that if they feel healthy, screenings are unnecessary. However, many serious health conditions, like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and certain cancers, can develop silently without noticeable symptoms in their early stages
Due to just those risks, health screening is truly worth it. If you are still not convinced, here are some key benefits of regular health screening that will make you think otherwise;
- Early Detection of Diseases: As already mentioned, many conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain cancers, develop silently. Health screening helps detect these issues early which increases the chances of successful treatment.
- Preventive Care: Screenings can identify risk factors before they develop into serious conditions. For example, high cholesterol detected during a test can be managed through diet and medication to prevent heart disease.
- Improved Quality of Life: Since health screening allows for the detection of health issues early, they provide patients with the best chances of living healthier, longer lives. It also reduces the risk of complications and promotes overall well-being.
- Personalized Health Advice: Screening results give doctors valuable insights into your health. They can provide tailored advice on lifestyle changes, diet, exercise, and stress management to enhance your health.
How to Choose a Health Screening Clinic in Singapore?
Now that you understand what health screening involves and the benefits, the next step will be to find the best clinic that provide health screening in Singapore. It is easy.
To choose a good clinic for health screening in Singapore, look for facilities with positive reviews and experienced staff. Also, you will want to choose a clinic that provides screening packages tailored to your needs.
But don’t stop at that. Health screening isn’t a one-time thing. So, look for clinics that offer detailed post-screening consultations.
It’s a Wrap!
Health screening is vital for maintaining good health and preventing serious illnesses. Whether you’re young or old, getting routine health screenings is one of the best ways you can ensure that you stay in good shape.
Don’t wait for symptoms to appear as it might be a little too late. To learn more about health screening in Singapore and the options available for you, call or visit us at;
Dr. Ben Medical – Women’s Health | HIV & STD Test Singapore
160 Robinson Rd, #03-09A SBF Center Medical Suites, Singapore 068914
