Preventive healthcare is about paying attention to your health before a problem becomes obvious.
Some important health conditions can develop without noticeable symptoms. Appropriate health checks can therefore provide useful information and, where necessary, prompt further assessment.
Screening is intended to identify people who may be at higher risk of a condition so that appropriate intervention can be considered. However, screening is most useful when it is evidence-based and carried out appropriately.
Here are some measurements worth discussing with a healthcare professional.
1. Blood pressure
Blood pressure is one of the simplest health measurements to obtain.
High blood pressure can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke and kidney problems, and it may not produce obvious symptoms.
Regular checks can therefore be useful, particularly for people with risk factors or a history of elevated readings.
2. Blood glucose
Blood glucose is the amount of glucose circulating in your blood.
Persistently elevated blood glucose can be associated with diabetes and other health concerns.
Depending on your circumstances, a healthcare professional may recommend appropriate blood glucose testing and further assessment.
3. Cholesterol and blood lipids
Cholesterol is a type of lipid that the body needs, but abnormal blood lipid levels can contribute to cardiovascular risk.
A healthcare professional can assess cholesterol results alongside other factors rather than considering one number in isolation.
4. Weight and waist measurement
Weight alone does not tell the complete story about someone’s health.
Body composition, waist circumference, diet, physical activity and other factors may also be relevant.
Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce the risk associated with several noncommunicable diseases.
5. Know your personal risk factors
Numbers become more meaningful when considered alongside your overall circumstances.
Important factors can include:
- Age
- Family history
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Physical activity
- Diet
- Existing health conditions
- Current medicines
- Previous health measurements
For example, raised blood pressure, blood glucose, blood lipids and overweight/obesity are recognised cardiovascular risk factors.
Don’t become obsessed with numbers
Health measurements are tools, not a substitute for professional assessment.
A single reading may not provide enough information to establish a diagnosis, and not every screening test is appropriate for everyone.
If you receive an unexpected result, don’t panic. Instead, discuss it with an appropriately qualified healthcare professional who can explain what it means and whether further assessment is needed.
Prevention starts with awareness
Alongside appropriate screening, everyday choices matter.
A balanced diet, regular physical activity, avoiding tobacco and addressing other modifiable risk factors can contribute to better long-term health.
Asterix Pharmacy: Helping you stay informed
Asterix Pharmacy offers Diagnosis & Screening services designed to support greater awareness of important health measurements.
Our goal is not simply to provide a number, but to help you understand when a result may warrant further professional attention.
Know your numbers. Ask questions. Take your health seriously.
[Explore Asterix Health Screening Services]
Screening availability and suitability vary. A screening result is not necessarily a diagnosis and should be interpreted appropriately by a qualified healthcare professional.
