When was the last time you had a general health check?
Don’t wait until you’re sick to visit a doctor, say the team at Murray Bridge Medical Centre – after all, prevention is better than cure.
This sponsored story is brought to you by Murray Bridge Medical Centre.
We often remember to service our cars, check our smoke alarms, and maintain our homes, but when was the last time we gave our own health the same attention?
The team at Murray Bridge Medical Centre encourages you to take a proactive approach to your health by making regular health checks and preventative screening part of your routine.
If you’re turning 40, 50, 60 or 70, make it a milestone for your health.
Each new decade of life is a wonderful opportunity to check in with your GP, review your health and identify any potential concerns before they become more serious.
Many health conditions – including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and certain cancers – can develop without obvious symptoms.
Feeling healthy does not always mean everything is as it should be.
What does a health check involve?
A general health review can provide a valuable snapshot of your overall wellbeing.
Depending on your age, medical history and individual risk factors, your GP may recommend:
- Heart health: Checking blood pressure, cholesterol, family history and your risk of heart disease or stroke
- Blood tests: Assessing blood glucose levels, cholesterol and other indicators of health, including kidney and liver function where clinically appropriate
- Diabetes prevention: Identifying early warning signs and discussing lifestyle changes that may reduce your risk
- Cancer screening: Reviewing whether you are up to date with recommended bowel, breast and cervical screening, and discussing prostate health
- Women’s health and perimenopause: Discussing hormonal changes, menstrual changes, sleep disturbances, hot flushes, mood changes and other symptoms that can affect women during midlife
- General wellbeing: Reviewing your medications, weight, physical activity, nutrition, mental health, sleep and any changes you have experienced
Not everyone needs the same tests; your GP can help determine which may be appropriate for you and when they should be repeated.
Some health assessments and screening services may be Medicare-funded for eligible patients.
Prevention is better than waiting for a diagnosis
Remember: you don’t need to feel unwell to make an appointment with your GP.
Health reviews at 40, 50, 60, 70 and beyond can be a useful reminder to take stock of your wellbeing; but many important checks and tests need to be undertaken more frequently, depending on your age and personal circumstances.
A Medicare-supported heart health check, for example, is available to many eligible adults from age 45, and earlier for some higher-risk groups.
Taking the time to understand your health today can help you make informed decisions that will support your wellbeing in the years ahead.
Murray Bridge Medical Centre practice manager Wendy Ziersch believes good health care is about more than treating illness.
It is about prevention, education, early detection and supporting patients through every stage of life.
“We encourage everyone in our community, particularly those who haven’t visited their GP for some time, to consider booking a preventative health review,” she says.
“Don’t wait until something goes wrong.
“Make your health a priority today.”
- More information: Visit Murray Bridge Medical Centre at 35-37 Adelaide Road between 8am and 5pm on weekdays, call 8531 2988 or visit www.murraybridgemedical.com.au.
Disclosure: This story was drafted with the assistance of an AI tool, prior to human editing.
Advertising to more than 20,000 highly engaged locals can do wonders for your business. Call Jane Intini on 0418 835 768 or email jane@murraybridge.news.
Peri Strathearn
