It is a good idea to visit a doctor regularly, even if you feel healthy...... just like your car gets a service, after a certain number of kilometres, even if it seems ok with no obvious sign of repairs.The purpose of these visits is to:

❤️ Check for current or emerging medical problems

❤️ Assess your risk of future medical issues

❤️ Prompt you to maintain a healthy lifestyle

❤️ Update key vaccinations (including but not limited to shingles, tetanus, whooping cough, flu, travel required vaccinations)Health checks are usually incorporated into routine medical care but you may need to ensure you have booked enough time for a review and diarise these checks yourself as you may/may not ever be sent prompts to do it.Having a health check is also a time to examine your lifestyle to see what improvements can be made. This may be something you regularly do yourself or discuss with a healthcare professional.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Autem dolore, alias, numquam enim ab voluptate id quam harum ducimus cupiditate similique quisquam et deserunt, recusandae.

You can do a basic health check at home to review your health in relation to:

⛔️ Alcohol consumption - people who have at least 2 alcohol-free days per week and keep their drinking days to 2 standard drinks per drinking day have better long-term health. For more information on alcohol intake and getting additional support refer to this website.

⛔️ Smoking – smoking increases your risk of many diseases, including heart disease, stroke, lung disease and thin bones. If you smoke, quitting as soon as possible helps reduce the harm. For more information on the risks of smoking and how to get help to stop for good, refer to our website.

⛔️ Dental care – cleaning your teeth regularly and eating a low-sugar diet can reduce your risk of tooth loss, tooth decay, gum disease. You should have an annual dental check and professional clean to help reduce these issues. Poor dental health is also often connected to heart disease.

⛔️ Diet and nutrition – a healthy diet improves your general health and wellbeing.For further details on nutrition refer to this website.

⛔️ Physical activity – regular physical activity is good for your mental health, heart and bones, and can prevent many diseases. Ideally the health goal is for 30 minutes to an hour of moderate physical activity a day. Moderate physical activity takes some effort, but it is considered to be at a point where you can still have a conversation (for example, brisk walking, social tennis). Weight training helps considerably, especially in your 40s plus. For more information on stimple exercise strategies for you to follow easily from home or externally refer to our webisite.

⛔️ Routine General Skin checks –currently, there is no set guideline regarding how often Australian adults should get their skin checked. Cancer Council recommends that you regularly monitor your own skin via self-examination and visit a GP if you notice any changes or new suspicious spots (moles, freckles, dark stain/patch etc). A GP can refer you to a specialist if required.However, if you have sunbaked a lot or work outdoors or have a family history of melanoma or other skin disease, you should have a thorough yearly examination by a doctor who specialises in skin checks and/or a dermatologist (get a referral from your GP). A full skin examination, supported with photography and dermoscopy, may be necessary every 6-12 months.While protection from UV radiation is the best defense against skin cancer, regular skin checks via self-examination for new and changed spots and early detection strategies are an important approach to reducing your risk of skin cancer. This is because most melanomas are found by the person with the melanoma, or their partner. For details of how to check for skin cancer refer to the diagram below from Cancer Council NSW.

⛔️ Weight - maintaining a healthy weight range helps prevent longer-term diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes and arthritis. Regular health checks can help to identify early warning signs of disease or illness. Heart disease, diabetes and some cancers can often be picked up in their early stages, when treatment may be more successful.

Routine Breast Checks

When you have a medical check, your doctor will usually talk to you about:

➡️ Your medical history

➡️ Employment (to determine possible impact on your health)

➡️ Your family’s history of disease such a heart, diabetes, stroke.

➡️ Lifestyle generally (including your diet, weight, how much you exercise)

➡️ Whether or not you smoke and drink alcohol or take illegal drugs

Regular health checks may help your doctor pick up early warning signs.

If you have a family history or high risk for other reasons of a particular health condition, your doctor may recommend more frequent health checks at an earlier age.

1. HEART HEALTH CHECKS

➡️ Blood pressure - Your blood pressure is usually checked every 2 years if it is normal, you are aged under 40 years, and there is no family history of high blood pressure.Have it checked yearly or more regularly if you are over 40, your blood pressure is on the high side, or you have a personal or family history of high blood pressure, stroke or heart attack. Be advised by your doctor.

➡️ Blood tests - They will check your cholesterol levels and blood triglycerides, iron levels, and thyroid among other things. High levels may indicate an increased risk of various health problems, including heart disease.If you are over 45, the doctor is likely to suggest blood tests about once every 5 years. If you are at high risk of heart disease and have a family history, you should be tested every year from the age of 40.

➡️ Electrocardiogram (ECG)– this is a non-invasive and painless medical test that detects cardiac (heart) abnormalities by measuring the electrical activity generated by the heart as it contracts.

➡️ Obesity tests – being overweight is a significant risk factor for many health conditions, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Ask your doctor to check your body mass index (BMI)and waist measurement every 2 years. If you are at a higher risk, you should have your weight checked more frequently.

Anyone 45 years and over, or 30 years and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, should have a regular heart health check with their doctor.

A heart health check is a 20-minute check-up with your GP to assess your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Heart health checks are covered by Medicare and are free at practices that bulk bill this service.

2. DIABETES TESTS

Diabetes is a serious condition where glucose (sugar) in the blood becomes higher than normal. People with diabetes can have difficulty changing glucose into energy which leads to higher levels of sugar in the blood (hyperglycaemia). Your blood glucose levels are normally controlled by a hormone called insulin.

Diabetes happens when your pancreas can’t produce enough insulin or when your body can’t use the insulin because it’s resistant to it.

Stats in Australia 2024

1,500,000 - People living with diabetes in Australia.

120,000 - People diagnosed with diabetes each year.

400,000- Australians at high risk of diabetesThere are several types of diabetes:

Types of Diabetes

🚩 Type 1 diabetes

🚩 Type 2 diabetes

🚩 Gestational diabetes, which happens when a woman has high blood glucose levels duringpregnancy pre-diabetes, where your blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes.

What are the most common symptoms of diabetes?

🚩 Being very thirsty or hungry

🚩 Passing more urine (wee) than usual

🚩 Feeling tired

🚩 Unexplained weight loss (for type 1 diabetes), or gradual weight gain (for type 2 diabetes)having cuts that heal slowly

🚩 Itchy skin or skin infections

🚩 Blurred vision

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/symptom-checker

TYPE 1 diabetes is usually spotted quickly as symptoms can appear suddenly. Many people with type 2 diabetes don’t have any symptoms at all or have signs that go unnoticed for a long time.

TESTING FOR DIABETES

diabetes include a laboratory blood glucose test ordered by your doctor (not using a home blood glucose meter). The most common test is the fasting blood glucose test (no food or fluid except water for eight hours before). Others include a test taken anytime during the day with no preparation, glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) test, or an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT).

Talk to your doctor about having your risk of diabetes assessed and how often you should be tested.

AUSDRISK...

You can complete AUSDRISK by yourself, or with the help of a health professional or practice nurse to assess the risk of a person developing type 2 diabetes over the next 5 years.

You can complete the tool in 1 of 3 ways:

➡️ Using the online interactive version

➡️ Using the online non-interactive version

➡️ Downloading the PDF version-and completing it on paper.If you get a 'high' score on AUSDRISK, you are eligible to attend a type 2 diabetes risk evaluation by your GP if you are aged:40 to 49 years (inclusive)15 to 54 years (inclusive) for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.https://www.health.gov.au/resources/apps-and-tools/the-australian-type-2-diabetes-risk-assessment-tool-ausdrisk

Risk Factors for Getting Diabetes

The exact genetic causes of type 2 diabetes are not currently known however, there is a range of factors that increase the risk of developing the condition.Some diabetes risk factors can be managed or reduced (known as modifiable lifestyle factors), while other factors cannot be changed.

Type 2 diabetes risk factors including - you have pre-diabetes, a family history of diabetes (for example, if you have a first-degree relative with type 2 diabetes) and/or are over 55 years. The risk increases with age, are over 45 years and overweight and obese or have high blood pressure are over 35 years and from an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background, or from a Pacific Island, Indian subcontinent or Chinese cultural background, had gestational diabetes during a pregnancy, have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)have cardiovascular disease such as past history of heart attack, angina, stroke or narrowed blood vessels taking certain antipsychotic medication or corticosteroid medication.

Other lifestyle risk factors include:

➡️ Being overweight or obese, especially around the waist

➡️ Sedentary lifestyle – having low levels of physical activity, including more than two hours of television watching per day

➡️ Unhealthy eating habits, such as regularly choosing

➡️ High-fat,high-sugar,high-salt or low-fibre foods

➡️ Cigarette smoking.

Maintaining a healthy weightBeing overweight, especially around your waistline, increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes and losing weight is one way you can help prevent type 2 diabetes. Carrying extra weight around your middle means fat can build up around organs and cause insulin resistance, which means the insulin your body produces doesn’t work properly.A small weight loss (5-10% of body weight) can make a big difference and for those with pre-diabetes can prevent type 2 diabetes in up to nearly 6 out of 10 people. Measuring your waist is a quick and simple way of checking your risk. Measure halfway between the top of your hip bone and your lowest rib, roughly in line with your belly button.

According to Diabetes Australia, the general rule of thumb is, if you are of Caucasian origin:

Women should aim for a waist circumference less than 80 cm

Men should aim for less than 94 cm

There are no quick fixes when it comes to reducing your waist size but small changes in your diet (such as reducing your portion size) and regular physical activity are important factors in weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight. Advice from a dietitian, exercise specialist or other health care professionals can make losing weight much easier and sustainable.Making healthy food choicesEating a healthy, balanced diet is way great way to manage your weight and reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

As a starting point, Diabetes Australia recommend people follow the Australian Dietary Guidelines. https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/guidelines/guidelinesRegular physical activity to reduce diabetes risk factorsRegular physical activity is key to preventing type 2 diabetes as it helps to maintain a healthy weightlower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart disease and stress.T

The Australian Government’s physical activity and exercise guidelines for all Australians recommend adults should be active most days, preferably every day. Moving for at least 30 minutes a day makes a big difference to your health and wellbeing. It also helps lift your mood. You can break up exercise throughout the day if needed.You don’t need to go to the gym or run a marathon, aim for moderate intensity. It could be a brisk walk around your suburb, playing a sport in the garden, or doing an online exercise class.

More information

Check your risk

Find out your risk of developing type 2 diabetes within the next five years. Check out the risk calculator on Diabetes Australia

Introducing Diabetes YOUnited – our new national membership program. We want all Australians, no matter where they live or their financial situation, to have access to essential support.

3. BOWEL CANCER CHECKS

Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers in Australia.The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program reduces illness and death from bowel cancer by detecting the early signs of the disease using a free, simple test that can be done at home.

Bowel cancer often develops without any symptoms. The cancer can grow in the bowel for years before spreading to other parts of the body. Very small amounts of blood can leak from these growths and pass into your faeces (poo). These tiny amounts of blood are not noticeable just by looking – that's where screening comes in.Screening can find tiny amounts of blood in your poo that may be a sign of bowel cancer. The good news is that if found early, over 90% of bowel cancers can be successfully treated.

Screening for bowel cancer in people aged 45 to 74 who do not have any symptoms, helps to find cancer early. The bowel cancer screening test uses chemicals to check a bowel motion sample for blood, which may be a sign of bowel cancer.

Eligible Australians aged 45 to 74 can do a free test at home every 2 years. Learn about the program and how to do the test on https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/national-bowel-cancer-screening-program

The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program sends free test kits in the mail to people aged 50 to 74, every 2 years (to the address connected to your medicare card). If you are between the age of 45-49, you can also request your first free bowel screening kit to be mailed to you. If you have a family history of bowel cancer, please talk to your doctor about what screening options are right for you. People at high risk of bowel cancer may need a colonscopy more regularly. During this test, the doctor inserts a slender instrument called a colonoscope through the anus to visually check the rectum and large bowel for any abnormalities.

You may receive reminders to complete the test via SMS if we have your mobile number. If you would prefer to get reminders in the post, follow the instructions in the SMS or update your communication preferences in the National Cancer Screening Register (NCSR) Participant Portal.

The bowel screening test is an immunochemical faecal occult blood test (iFOBT). It can detect tiny amounts of blood in your poo that can be a sign of bowel cancer.You just need to collect 2 tiny samples from 2 different poos. Then mail them to the pathology lab in the reply paid envelope with the completed participant details form.

You can watch a video on how to do the test at www.health.gov.au/national-bowel-cancer-screening-program. You and your doctor receive the results within 4 weeks.

4. EYE CHECKS FOR VISION AND EYE HEALTH

Eyesight tends to deteriorate with age. Serious eye concerns can include cataracts, skin cancer on the eye, cataracts, mascular degeneration,diabetic retinopathy.People older than 65 years should have an annual examination, however, more frequent testing may be recommended for those with certain risk factors, such as:➡️ a family history of eye disease,➡️ a personal history of eye disease or injury,➡️ certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes, taking certain medications.If you already wear prescription glasses or contact lenses, you should have your eyes tested every year. Adults who do not wear prescription glasses or contact lenses should have an eye test every 2 years.

In Australia, regular eye tests by an optometrist are crucial for early detection of eye problems and maintaining good vision, and are often bulk-billed for eligible Medicare card holders. Here's a more detailed explanation:Importance of Eye Tests:Regular eye tests are vital for detecting eye diseases early, which can help prevent vision loss. What to Expect:During an eye test, an optometrist will check your vision at various distances, assess eye health, and potentially test for conditions like glaucoma or cataracts. 

Types of Tests:

Common tests include visual acuity tests, tonometry (measuring eye pressure), slit lamp exams (examining the eye's structures), and refractive tests (determining the need for glasses or contact lenses). Frequency:Most people should have an eye test every two to three years, or more frequently if recommended by your optometrist. Medicare Coverage:Eye tests are often bulk-billed for eligible Medicare card holders, meaning there's no out-of-pocket cost. Finding an Optometrist:You can book an eye test online or by calling optometrists like Oscar Wylee, Specsavers, or OPSM. Online Eye Tests:Some websites offer online eye tests, but these are not a substitute for a comprehensive eye examination with an optometrist. Eyesight Tests for Drivers:If you are renewing your driver's license online, Transport for NSW may defer your eyesight test if you are a low-risk driver. 

Medicare Payments

Medicare will pay for your eye test if the optometrist chooses to bulk bill. If you're under 65, you can have one bulk billed eye test every 3 years. If you're over 65 you can get a bulk billed test yearly.