Health screenings are essential for maintaining good health and catching potential issues before they become serious. Regular health checks can detect conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and high cholesterol early on to give you the best chance of treating them effectively.
But, what typically happens after a health check? Stay on this page to find out. For information on health screening packages, we recommend checking content on this page: https://www.artisanhealthclinic.sg/.
What Is the Health Check Process?
Several questions may come to mind when considering health screening in Orchard especially if you’re considering the assessments for the first time. One question that may stand out is; what is done in a health check?
It is simple; the health check process typically starts with booking an appointment. You will likely fill out a medical history form, where you’ll provide information about your health, lifestyle, and any symptoms or concerns. This is important because it helps the doctor understand your risks and tailor the screening to your needs.
Once you arrive for your health screening at a good Orchard clinic, a practitioner will guide you through a series of tests. A basic health screening package usually includes:
- Blood Tests: To check for conditions like high cholesterol, diabetes, or liver and kidney function.
- Urine Tests: For kidney health and detecting infections.
- Body Mass Index (BMI) Assessment: To evaluate your weight in relation to your height.
- Blood Pressure Check: To detect high blood pressure, a common risk factor for heart disease.
- Cholesterol Test: To assess your risk for cardiovascular diseases.
If you opt for a more comprehensive screening, it may also include:
- Imaging tests like X-rays or ultrasounds.
- Cardiac Tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) to monitor your heart.
- Cancer Screenings, including mammograms or colonoscopies, depending on age and risk factors.
The process usually takes a couple of hours, but it’s time well spent. By the end of the session, your samples are collected and sent to the lab for analysis. Some clinics may even offer same-day results for basic tests.
What Happens During a Health Screening?
Once your health screening at Orchard begins, you’ll undergo several procedures. Here’s a quick roundup of what to expect during the screening:
- Pre-Screening Preparation: When you arrive, you’ll first meet a nurse. They will review your medical history and confirm the tests you’ll be undergoing. Some tests, like blood sugar assessments, may require you to fast beforehand.
- Physical Examination: A doctor will conduct a physical exam, which includes measuring your height, and weight, and checking your Body Mass Index (BMI). These basic measurements help evaluate your overall health and identify any potential issues related to weight or body composition.
- Diagnostic Tests: Here’s where the actual screening starts. Depending on your package, you’ll undergo a variety of tests, like:
- Blood bests where a sample of your blood is drawn to check for diabetes, cholesterol levels, and organ function.
- Urine tests to check for infections, kidney problems, and other conditions.
- Imaging tests. If you’ve opted for these, you may undergo X-rays, ultrasounds, or other diagnostic scans to assess internal organs like your heart, liver, or lungs.
- Cardiac tests if heart health is a concern. You may need to undergo an electrocardiogram (ECG) or a treadmill stress test to assess how well your heart is functioning.
- Health Assessments: Additional tests may include checking your vision, hearing, or lung function. Screenings for specific conditions, like cancer, may also be offered, depending on your age, gender, and family history. The entire process is designed to give a comprehensive picture of your current health.
What Happens After a Health Screening?
After your health screening is complete, the next step is interpreting the results. It is also at this stage where you plan your next actions. Here’s a summary of what happens after a health screening;
- Receiving the Results: Results from your health check won’t always be immediate. Depending on the tests, it might take a few days to a week for everything to be analyzed. Some basic results, like blood pressure or BMI, may be available on the same day. However, more detailed tests, like blood work and imaging, usually require lab analysis.
- Interpreting the Results: Once the results are in, you’ll have a follow-up consultation with a doctor. During this session, the doctor will explain the findings in simple terms. A skilled provider will be keen to highlight any areas of concern. If any tests show abnormal results, the doctor will guide you on what these mean and what further steps should be taken.
- Follow-up: In cases where your screening uncovers potential health issues, the next steps may involve:
- Further testing if a test result is unclear or indicates a problem.
- Referrals to specialists for more serious concerns, like high cholesterol, diabetes, or heart disease.
- Lifestyle recommendations. The recommendations here will be based on your screening results. This could include dietary adjustments, starting an exercise routine, or quitting smoking.
- Health Monitoring Plan: Regular follow-ups might be suggested, especially if you’re managing a chronic condition like high blood pressure. The doctor will help you establish a health plan that may include medication, lifestyle changes, and scheduling future screenings to monitor your progress.
When to Schedule Your Next Health Screening
Health screenings aren’t a one-time event. Depending on your age, family history, and risk factors, the frequency of health checks can vary. Generally:
- For people under 40, a basic health check every two to three years is often recommended.
- For people over 40 or those with risk factors, annual health screenings are ideal. This is particularly important for people dealing with chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease.
- Some screenings, like cancer checks, may need to be more frequent if you have a family history or are considered high-risk.
Closing Thoughts
Regular health screenings will be key in keeping you healthy and detecting potential health issues early. Schedule regular health checks to ensure that any health issues are caught early and managed effectively.
Have you been recommended for a health screening at Orchard or are due for one? Drop us a line today to arrange for your health screening whether for the first time or routine. Details below;
The Artisan Health Clinic | Health Screening | STD Testing | HIV Testing Singapore
290 Orchard Rd, #07-01C Paragon Medical Suites,
Singapore 238859
