What Health Checks Should Be Done Regularly?
Many are often advised to "get regular health checkups," but questions arise: Why are they important, and what tests are needed? Let’s clarify the essential annual screenings everyone should prioritize.

What Is an Annual Health Checkup?
It involves evaluating bodily organs and systems to detect risks or abnormalities that may lead to serious illnesses, such as:

• Complete blood count

• Blood sugar levels

• Cholesterol and triglyceride levels

• Kidney and liver function tests

Why Annual Checkups Matter

1. Environmental Threats:
   Thailand’s air quality, especially in cities like Bangkok, is plagued by PM 2.5 pollution and vehicle exhaust. Regular checkups help identify early damage from these toxins.

2. Emerging Diseases:
   New outbreaks like COVID-19 highlight the need for vigilance. Many infections show no symptoms until severe. Annual screenings catch hidden threats before they escalate.

3. Silent Killers:
   Diseases like cancer or HIV often show symptoms only at advanced stages. For example:

   • Cancer may spread before causing noticeable issues.

   • HIV can lie dormant for years before progressing to AIDS.

4. Preventive Knowledge:
   Checkups teach you about your body’s strengths and vulnerabilities, including genetic risks. Early detection allows proactive health planning with expert guidance.

Age-Specific Screenings

• Women:

  • 30+ or sexually active: Cervical cancer screening (Pap smear) and HPV testing.

  • 40+: Annual breast cancer exams (mammogram).

  • 40+: Abdominal ultrasound (liver, kidneys, gallbladder, ovaries, uterus).

  • 50+: Cardiac stress test (EST) to detect heart disease.

• Men:

  • 50+: Annual prostate cancer screening.

  • 40+: Abdominal ultrasound.

  • 50+: Cardiac stress test (EST).

Senior Health Checks (60+)

• Eyes: Every 2–4 years (60–64); every 1–2 years (65+).

• Stool tests: Annual colorectal cancer screening.

• Health assessments: Nutrition, osteoporosis risk, daily function.

  • 65+: Cognitive function evaluation.

• Blood tests:

  • Lipid profile every 5 years.

  • Annual blood sugar, urinalysis, and creatinine.

  • 70+: Annual complete blood count.

• Breast exams: Women 60–69: annual; 70+: as needed.

• Cervical cancer: Women 60–64: every 3 years; 65+: as needed.

Conclusion
Annual checkups are vital for all ages, not just the elderly. They empower early detection and prevention of silent diseases. Prioritize your health today.