Why you need a health check

– even if you think you’re healthy

Even if you exercise a few times a week, sleep well, and eat healthily, it doesn’t mean you don’t need a health check. Despite our best intentions, things don’t always go to plan – like an unexpected health issue or emergency. 

Whether you’re single or have a family, if you want to live a long and healthy life, the important thing to take care of is you. If something were to happen, it should be dealt with quickly and properly to avoid unnecessary extended time off which could affect your personal and professional life, and overall quality of life. 

If you’re in your 30s or 40s, some health checks to consider include blood pressure, cholesterol, testicle checks (men), breast self-checks (women), Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment, mammogram (women) and Cardiovascular Risk Assessment. 

If you’re in your 50s or 60s, you’ll need to do the same checks as in your 40s, plus a bowel cancer screening, prostate cancer screening (men), Osteoporosis Risk Assessment, as well as a visual and hearing impairment test. 

Even if you do come out with a clean bill of health, a regular health check should be part of your plan for preventative health. Regular health checks will also give you peace of mind and the chance to build a relationship with a doctor that you can trust. 

Looking after yourself is one of the most important things you can do. It’s also worth reviewing your health cover annually to see if you’re making the most of the coverage you’re paying for. If you don’t have health insurance, remember it could protect you financially for all types of situations – from having your tonsils removed, breaking your leg, or sports injuries. It also reduces wait times for many types of treatment and provides all types of benefits towards a range of non-hospital treatments such as dental, physio, optical and remedial massage. 

Even if you think you’re healthy or don’t think you need the cover just yet, it’s likely that you’re going to need it, and the peace of mind you’ll get from knowing that you’re covered is invaluable. 

Super C Immune-Boosting Juice

Citrus fruit such as oranges, mandarins, grapefruit, lemons and limes are an excellent source of vitamin C, which helps maintain the body’s defence against bacterial infections. Carrots contain vitamin A precursors called carotenoids (beta-carotene) that help promote vision and support a healthy immune system. Ginger helps to boost immune function and combat cellular damage. Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric, that works as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant an antibacterial. 

Ingredients (Serves 1)

  • 1 whole carrot
  • 2 oranges, peeled
  • 1 ⁄ 2 lemon, peeled
  • 1 slice of ginger
  • 1 slice of turmeric

Method

Use a juicer to extract the juice from the carrot, oranges, lemon, ginger and turmeric. 

Drink immediately and enjoy the healing benefits. 

By Teresa Cutter – The Healthy Chef

Disclaimer: The above health and medical information is general information only and is not a substitute for advice from a qualified medical or other health professional.