Are you due for any of these eight health checks?
Are you due for any of these eight health checks?
Sure, they’re not top of your list for an everyday chat, but these aspects of our health are important to consider. Ask your GP if you’re not sure whether you’re up-to-date with certain screenings and your Pharmacist for in-store fixes.
1. Poo
Get to know what's normal for you and report any changes in bowel habits to your GP. If you like, you can ask your GP to show you the Bristol Stool chart during your appointment. It’s an easy way to talk about poo without having to describe it literally.
2. Colonoscopy or endoscopy
If requested, these give valuable information about the health of our digestive tract and whether further investigation is needed. Your healthcare team is trained to make you as comfortable as possible, should these tests be necessary.
3. Prostate
There is now a blood test which can indicate if there are issues with the prostate, including cancer. Ask your GP about the PSA blood test (prostate-specific antigen) and when you are due.
4. Fungal infections
Whether it's in your jocks, socks or somewhere else entirely, these are no fun. Luckily, you can get over-the-counter help quick smart – so ask your Pharmacist for a fix!
5. Cervical Screening
This replaced the Pap Smear and is now recommended every five years. Ask your GP whether you are due. Alternatively, you can now self-collect your sample if that would make you more comfortable.
6. Breast check
Be familiar with the normal look and feel of your breasts. There is no right or wrong way to do a breast check. The key is to do so regularly and learn to notice what is unusual for you.
7. Discharge
Changes in vaginal discharge help detect when ovulation is due or determine if an STI or yeast infection are causing uncomfortable symptoms. Life stages such as pregnancy and menopause can also change discharge – ask your Pharmacist for how to itching and other symptoms.
8. Haemorrhoids
Don't put up with the pain. Several treatment options are available for relief as well as lifestyle changes to reduce their chances of redeveloping. Ask away – we’ve talked about haemorrhoids hundreds of times before!