Screening for Males
Am I healthy?
World Health Organisation defines health as a state of physical, mental and social well being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.You can do certain tests or screening to know whether you are healthy or not.
What is screening?
Screening are tests or assessments to detect diseases or abnormal conditions early, when they are easier to treat.
For example, if we detect hypertension or diabetes early, we can start to control the condition in order to prevent complications, such as stroke and heart attack.
To assess your physical well being, you are advised to screen for :
Why shall I screen for those conditions?
Heart disease, stroke and cancer are among the major causes of death and hospital admission.
Obesity, hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol are the main risk factors for heart disease and stroke. Control of those conditions early can prevent or minimise the chance to get heart attack and stroke.
How to screen?
Obesity |
Weight and height to calculate Body Mass Index (BMI) |
Hypertension or High Blood Pressure |
Blood pressure |
Diabetes |
Blood Glucose level |
High Cholesterol |
Blood Cholesterol level |
When shall I do screening?
You are recommended to follow this guide :
Weight and height for BMI |
At least 6-monthly |
At least 6-monthly |
Blood pressure |
At least yearly |
At least yearly |
Blood glucose level |
If any of your family members have diabetes |
Random Blood Glucose at least twice yearly before age of 40 and yearly afterwards |
Blood cholesterol level |
If any of your family members have high blood cholesterol level |
Total Blood Cholesterol at least 5 times per year |
Where can I get the test done?
Ask your family doctor. All government health clinics, private clinics, private hospitals and private medical laboratories provide those tests.
Who shall I consult if I found the test abnormal?
Consult your family doctor or nearby health clinics.
What else can I do to stay healthy?
- Eat healthily - Eat a variety of food. Balance the food you eat with your physical activity.
- Be physically active - Be physically active everyday. Exercise at least three times a week, 20 - 30 minutes each session.
It will help to maintain or improve your BMI and physical fitness.
- Do not smoke - Smoking damages your lungs and increases the chances of getting heart attack, stroke and cancers. If you do smoke, try to stop. Consult your doctor.
- Learn to handle stress - Handle anger to reduce stress.
Last reviewed : 30 October 2008
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