No matter what stage of life you're in, January is a great chance to take stock of your health and prepare for the year ahead. New year, new you, right? If you want to start this year on the right foot, consider booking in for some of these common health checks – especially if it's been a while between visits. You know what's even better (aside from the knowledge of your own health and wellbeing)? If you're an AIA Vitality member, ticking a few of these boxes might just net you a nice AIA Vitality points boost, as well.
10 health checks you might be overdue for
ARTICLE
11 February 2022
4 mins read
4 mins read
We all know we're supposed to get regular health checks, but it's all too easy to let that annual appointment slip by the wayside. If you’re planning to make an appointment with your GP, here are 10 essential health tests you might be due for.
Skin checks
We're a nation of sun-lovers, and that carries a degree of risk. According to the Cancer Council, two in three Australians will be diagnosed with a case of skin cancer by the time they're 70-years-old – the majority of which are caused by sun exposure.
Early detection is key to the treatment of skin cancers, which is why regular checks are so important. You can have them conducted professionally, or with the help of a guide, you can perform them yourself.
AIA Vitality members can also earn 1,000 AIA Vitality Points for completing a guided skin self-examination. Click here to watch the video on how to perform the skin check – you'll need to be signed into your account in order to view it.
Dental check-ups
Have you been putting off a trip to the dentist? Well, now is a great time to book in for a check-up. To keep your smile pearly white, you'll need regular cleanings and oral examinations of your teeth and gums to ensure that all is as it should be.
If you're a member of AIA Vitality, you can earn 1,000 AIA Vitality Points each membership year by going for a general dental check-up. That's one more reason to smile.
Cervical screening tests
Routine cervical screening is necessary to detect and treat cervical cancer in its early stages. Women over 25 should be screened periodically to detect human papillomavirus, a virus that causes changes in the cells of the cervix that can potentially lead to cervical cancer.
As of 2017, the cervical screening test replaced the previously used pap test as the preferred method of cervical cancer detection. The target testing ages are between 25–74, with a five year screening cycle following your first test – provided you have a normal result. However, if you have any concerns, don't wait for your next screening, talk to your doctor straight away.
Blood pressure checks
It's important to have your blood pressure tested regularly, as high pressure (hypertension) can be indicative of serious health issues. Hypertension increases your risk of heart attacks, stroke, and kidney failure, and doesn't present with noticeable symptoms – making testing the most effective way of detecting the condition.
A GP can check your blood pressure as part of a standard consultation, so don't delay making an appointment.
Blood tests
Blood tests are a useful tool for checking your cholesterol levels. High cholesterol can indicate a range of things, including an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. In 2018, the Australian Bureau of Statistics found that over 41.9 per cent of Australians are living with high cholesterol, with higher prevalence among those aged 55–64.
Blood work can also be used to determine glucose levels and identify diabetes. Diabetes is the fastest-growing chronic disease in Australia, with one person being diagnosed every five minutes.
Additionally, blood tests can help recognise dietary deficiencies – including iron and vitamin D.
STI screenings
Annual STI screenings are an essential part of personal health. STI rates are on the rise in Australia, with instances of chlamydia increasing by 43 per cent and cases of syphilis tripling in the past decade.
It's important to be tested even if you're feeling fine, as certain STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhoea can be asymptomatic and remain undetected. In such cases, you're putting your partner(s) at risk inadvertently. If you're sexually active, it's recommended that you get tested regularly.
Eye tests
Regular eye testing can catch issues with your vision long before they develop into serious problems. General recommendations by optometrists suggest that you should have your vision tested every two years, unless you're over 60, have diabetes, or suffer from a history of eye problems – in which case you may need more regular check-ups.
If you're an AIA Vitality member, you can earn 1,000 AIA Vitality Points each membership year by having your eyes checked by an accredited optometrist or medical practitioner.
Weigh yourself
The new year is the perfect time to step onto the scales and make a note of your weight. The Australian government uses the BMI formula (your weight in kilograms divided by your height in metres) to determine a healthy weight range.
The ideal is a score between 18.5–24.9, although this changes depending on a variety of factors – including cultural background, age, pregnancy, and level of athletic activity.
A BMI check is also part of the free annual AIA Vitality Health Check when booked at an AIA partner pharmacy – TerryWhite Chemmart, Amcal or Guardian.
Check your immunisations are up to date
There's a host of different reasons that you might need an immunisation or vaccination. If you work in an industry that could potentially expose you to infectious diseases like healthcare, teaching, or emergency services, you'll need up-to-date immunisations to protect yourself and others.
If you're planning on travelling, you may need vaccinations for diseases like cholera, meningococcal, and rabies. Talk to your GP about where you're planning on going, and what you'll need to be treated for before leaving.
You can also earn up to 3,000 AIA Vitality points by providing proof of attendance for vaccinations. Each proof of vaccination – COVID-19 or the flu – is worth 1,000 points. You can simply attach photos of each proof of vaccination through the AIA Vitality app to earn your points.
Bowel cancer screening
If you're over 50-years-old, you should be screened for bowel cancer every two years. If you're aged 50, 54, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72 or 74, you can request an at-home screening kit that will be mailed to your house.
If you have a family history of bowel cancer, you may need more regular screenings than the general population. Consult with your GP for further information.
Staff Writer
Staff writers come from a range of backgrounds including health, wellbeing, music, tech, culture and the arts. They spend their time researching the latest data and trends in the health market to deliver up-to-date information, helping everyday Australians live healthier lives. This is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances. The information in this article is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstance
Disclaimer:
This is general information only and is not intended as financial, medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a financial adviser, or medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances.
This is general information only and is not intended as financial, medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a financial adviser, or medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances.
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