Health is the most precious thing we have and taking care of it should be our priority. Yet many people underestimate the importance of regular preventive check-ups with their GP. However, these check-ups play a key role in preventing serious diseases and can make a significant contribution to a longer and better quality of life.
Even if you feel healthy, regular check-ups help detect diseases in their early stages, when treatment is not only less invasive, but also often the most effective. Early diagnosis can mean the difference between a quick recovery and long-term health complications. Moreover, it can prevent not only the disease itself, but also the costly and time-consuming treatment.
“Preventive checkups are not just a formality, but an essential step toward long-term health. They can prevent a number of serious diseases and ensure a better quality of life.”MuDR. Heller
Why not skip preventive check-ups?
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Early detection of diseases
Many serious diseases, such as high blood pressure, diabetes or cancer, show no symptoms for a long time. During a preventive checkup, your doctor can identify these problems before they start to cause serious health complications. In this way, treatment can be started early and irreversible changes in the body can be prevented. -
Prevention instead of cure
Treatment of advanced disease is often difficult, long-term and costly. Preventive check-ups allow simple measures to be put in place early that can prevent the development of disease. For example, dietary changes, regular physical activity or controlling blood sugar levels can significantly reduce the risk of developing diabetes and other diseases of civilisation. -
Monitoring overall health
Regular medical check-ups provide a long-term overview of the patient’s health. This allows the doctor to compare the results of individual tests and to spot in time even minor deviations that could indicate an incipient health problem. It is this continuous monitoring that is crucial for effective prevention.
What happens during a preventive check-up?
A preventive examination is a comprehensive examination aimed at assessing the overall health of the patient. It typically involves several key steps:
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Basic medical history
The doctor is interested in your current health, family history and lifestyle. For example:-
Prevalence of hereditary diseases (diabetes, cancer, heart disease).
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Eating habits, physical activity, smoking or alcohol consumption.
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Stress factors and their impact on your health.
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Checking basic body functions
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Measuring blood pressure, which can reveal hypertension.
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Weight and BMI – monitoring body weight and its impact on health.
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Check pulse and heart rate.
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Laboratory examination
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Blood tests for blood sugar, cholesterol and kidney or liver function.
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A urine test that can highlight inflammation, infection or diabetes.
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Physical examination
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Listening to the heart and lungs.
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Palpation of the abdomen, checking the thyroid gland and lymph nodes.
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Skin and mole check, possible referral for dermatological examination.
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Screening examinations by age and sex
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Test for hidden bleeding in the stool (colon cancer prevention).
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Mammography for women.
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Discussion on prostate cancer prevention in men.
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Advice and recommendations
At the end, the doctor will evaluate the results of the examination and make recommendations if necessary:-
Lifestyle modifications (healthier diet, regular exercise, stress management).
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Further professional examinations or consultations with specialists.
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How often should I go for preventive check-ups?
In the Czech Republic, adults are entitled to a preventive check-up with a general practitioner once every two years, which is covered by health insurance. Children and adolescents have preventive check-ups more frequently, in accordance with their age and developmental needs.
Conclusion
Preventive checkups are not just a formality, but an essential step towards long-term health. Thanks to them, a number of serious diseases can be prevented and a better quality of life ensured. Don’t underestimate your health status and make an appointment for your regular preventive check-up – after all, we only have one health and prevention is the best investment for the future.
