Be it intentionally or not, COVID-19 has made all of us more conscious of our health – wearing masks, washing our hands regularly, and taking care to avoid crowded places when sick.
One other important thing you can do for your health is to schedule a health screening.
Why should you get a health screening?
With changes in our lifestyles over the past few months, we may have developed some unhealthy habits that could have a negative impact on our health.
- Staying at home and not exercising regularly
- Eating unhealthy food, ordering fast food
- Long hours of screen time without breaks
- Sitting for prolonged periods of time with poor back support
- Increased smoking and consumption of alcohol
Regular exercise and a healthy diet are important in preventing chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. These chronic conditions can lead to more severe health problems such as stroke, heart attacks, and kidney failure. Regular smoking and high levels of alcohol consumption can also lead to lung cancer and liver disease.
These pre-existing conditions would also cause complications if one were to contract other infections, such as COVID-19.
If you have been prone to such unhealthy habits as those listed above, you could be increasing your risk of dangerous diseases. It is important to catch these conditions early. Once caught, doctors will be able to advise on treatment or recommend lifestyle changes to improve your health.
Who should get a health screening?
Everyone should get a health screening.
Regular health screenings are beneficial for everyone, not just those who may be ill or leading unhealthy lifestyles. Some medical conditions do not display symptoms in their early stages, so it is important to have regular tests and screenings to ensure nothing goes unnoticed.
Individuals who have certain risk factors should especially consider going for a health screening: e.g. family history of diseases such as cancer or heart disease, pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure. You can speak to your doctor for their advice.
