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Almost everyone knows that getting a regular health checkup is an important part of staying healthy. However, many people don’t know exactly what screenings are available in Singapore or what they should be getting checked for.
In this article, we explain what basic health screening in Singapore is all about. (You can find out more about this procedure on this page: www.artisanhealthclinic.sg.
We will also explain why you may need basic health screening and, most importantly, the different types of health screenings you can get in Singapore. Without any further ado, let’s get started!
What is Basic Health Screening?
Basic health screening in Singapore refers to a set of tests or examinations that are conducted to check for any early signs or risks of developing certain health conditions.
The focus of basic health screening is usually on common and chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure) and high cholesterol. These conditions often have no symptoms in the early stages, which is why screenings are important in detecting them early so that treatment can be started as soon as possible.
Basic health screening usually consists of a physical examination, followed by some simple tests such as blood pressure and blood sugar tests. You may also be required to provide a urine or stool sample for testing.
Why is Basic Health Screening Important?
As we mentioned earlier, many chronic diseases often have no symptoms in the early stages. This means that you could live with a condition for years without knowing it.
If left undetected and untreated, these conditions can lead to more severe health problems such as heart disease, stroke and kidney failure. In some cases, these conditions can even be life-threatening.
So, basic health screening is important because it can help to spot early signs of disease. This means that treatments can be started as soon as possible, which gives the best chance of a good outcome.
It also means that you’re more likely to be able to manage any condition yourself rather than it taking over your life. Health screening isn’t a diagnosis. It won’t tell you for certain whether you have a disease.
But it does give you information about your risk of developing certain conditions. This means that you and your physician can make informed decisions about improving or maintaining your health.
If screening tests show that you’re at increased risk of developing a condition, you may be offered further tests or monitoring and given advice on how to reduce your risk. In some cases, treatment may be recommended.
For example, if you’re found to be at high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), you may be prescribed statins even if you don’t have any symptoms because this can help prevent a heart attack or stroke from occurring in future. Spotting diseases early also has important benefits for society as a whole.
It means that fewer people develop serious health problems, which in turn reduces pressure on healthcare service providers. In particular, it helps relieve pressure on hospital services by ensuring that people with treatable conditions are diagnosed and treated early on before their condition worsens and requires more complex or costly treatment later down the line.
Screening can save lives by detecting potentially fatal conditions such as cervical cancer at an early stage when they’re easier to treat successfully. It can also reduce disability by ensuring that conditions such as diabetes are diagnosed early and managed effectively before serious complications develop. Ultimately, everyone stands to benefit from health screening programs because they improve the health of the population as a whole and help to relieve pressure on vital services.
Who Should Have Basic Health Screening?
Basic health screening is recommended for everyone, but it’s particularly important for certain groups of people at increased risk of developing certain conditions. For example, people with a family history of a particular condition are more likely to develop that condition themselves and so may benefit from more frequent or intense screening. Other groups of people who are at increased risk include:
- People with high blood pressure
- People with high cholesterol
- People who are obese
- People who smoke
- People with diabetes
If you fall into any of these categories, it’s important to talk to your physician about the best way to manage your health. They may recommend that you have more frequent or intensive health screening than other people.
What to Expect during your Health Screening Appointment
To begin with, your health screening appointment should last around 30 minutes. During this time, your GP will ask about your medical history and any symptoms you might be experiencing.
They will also perform a physical examination, which may involve checking your blood pressure and weight and examining your heart and lungs. They may also request tests, such as a blood or urine test.
As explained before, these tests can help to identify any underlying health problems, such as diabetes or high cholesterol. Once all the tests have been completed, your GP will discuss the results with you and advice on how to maintain or improve your health. They may also refer you to a specialist if necessary.
How to Prepare for your Health Screening Appointment
There is no denying this. Hospital visits—even for something as seemingly simple as a health screening—can be stressful. But there are some things you can do to make the process run more smoothly and help you feel more relaxed. Here are some tips on how to prepare for your health screening appointment:
- Make sure you have a list of all the medications you’re taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
- Write down any symptoms you’ve been experiencing, no matter how trivial they may seem.
- If you have any concerns or questions, make a note of them, so you don’t forget to ask during your appointment.
- Try to wear loose, comfortable clothing that will allow your GP to carry out a physical examination easily.
- It’s also a good idea to have something to eat before your appointment, as you may be asked to fast for some of the tests (such as a blood test).
By following these tips, you can help to make sure your health screening appointment goes as smoothly as possible.
Closing Thoughts
Basic health screening is your best chance of detecting potentially serious health conditions early when they’re easier to treat successfully. So, if you haven’t had a health screening recently, make an appointment with your GP today. It could be the most important step you take to protect your health.
Our team offers comprehensive health screening services for people of all ages. Contact us today to learn more about our health screening packages or book an appointment. Call: +65 81298877 or visit us at:
The Artisan Health Clinic | Health Screening | STD Testing | HIV Testing Singapore
90 Orchard Rd #07-01C Paragon Medical Suites
Singapore 238859
www.artisanhealthclinic.sg
