There are lots of health checks and tests you can get to prevent disease and injury, and to stop things before they get worse.
But what kind of health checks and tests can you get at PVH Medical?
Here are the top 10.
1. A complete physical examination
Our Pascoe Vale doctors will assess you from head to toe, covering all the essentials like your vital signs, blood pressure, and body mass index (BMI). We’ll also look for things specific to your age, background and diet.
The older you get, the more often you should have a complete physical exam. We recommend one check every five years from the ages of around 20 to 45, every two years from 45 to 65, and every year thereafter.
2. Skin check
While it’s important to check your own skin, having a doctor regularly check over your skin could be lifesaving.
Melanoma and non-melanoma are big killers in Australia, and that’s why we recommended a skin check every couple of years, and every year once you turn 40 or you work outside.
3. Prostate check
This one is for the blokes.
Around 17,000 cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed each year in Australia. If you’re over age 50, come and talk to your doctor about possible screening options.
4. Colon exam
Colon or bowel cancer is the second most common form of cancer in Australia. That’s why it’s recommended that your colon health is tested from around the age of 40 upwards.
For many people, screening for bowel cancer involves a simple, at-home screening test. In fact, the government sends free test kits to those aged 50 to 74. But we can also help you in the clinic.
5. Blood pressure check
Blood pressure is the force that keeps blood moving through your arteries once it has been pumped from your heart. Finding out how hard your heart is working is super-important.
Ask your doctor to check your blood pressure every two years, or more regularly if you have high blood pressure.
6. Cholesterol
Your cholesterol level is one indicator of your risk of getting heart disease. While there are self-tests you can do for cholesterol, it’s best getting the help of a doctor who can look at your health holistically.
For example, we’ll consider a range of factors including your age, blood pressure, family history and diet, and suggest the best approach moving forwards.
7. Blood glucose levels
You may have seen the news reports about the growing diabetes problem in Australia, particularly type 2 diabetes. It’s a largely preventable disease if we do things like improve our diet and keep the extra kilos off.
You can check your risk of developing type 2 diabetes with this helpful calculator.
Early diagnosis, optimal treatment and continued management is key to reducing diabetes-related complications. And it can start with a simple blood glucose level check.
8. Cervical screening test (CST)
Cervical cancer is the growth of abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix.
Previously known as the Pap test, the CST is now only required once every five years for women aged 25 to 74.
9. Blood test
Having a blood test can help your doctor evaluate how well your organs (like your kidneys, liver, thyroid, and heart) are working. Blood tests can diagnose diseases and conditions such as cancer, coronary heart disease, diabetes, and STIs including HIV/AIDS. That’s why it’s such a crucial health check.
We can test your blood on-site so you don’t even need to leave the clinic!
10. Bone density test
Osteoporosis is a disease that reduces the density and quality of your bones. This causes a weakness of the skeleton and an increased risk of fracture. Talk to your doctor about your risk and if any tests are required.
We also run a program called Strong to the Bone which can help fight osteoporosis. You can share your test results with the exercise physiologists who lead the program.
Get checked out today!
So there you have it, the top 10 health checks at PVH Medical in Pascoe Vale.
Make an appointment today for the checks you need. As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure.
Note: This information is of a general nature only and should not be substituted for medical advice. It does not replace consultations with qualified healthcare professionals to meet your individual medical needs. Page last updated 24 January 2023.