Why are regular preventive medical check-ups so important?
Many folks visit the doctor only when they become ill or are experiencing major discomfort. However, having regular preventive medical check-ups is absolutely vital to staying healthy. More than just a general checkup, these evaluations provide a clearer picture of your overall health and help identify areas that may require attention.
In addition, preventive medical checkups are not the same for everyone. The evaluation may vary depending on factors such as age, sex, family history, lifestyle, and each patient’s individual risk factors. The goal is to identify which screenings and evaluations are relevant for each person.
Check-ups help catch conditions before they become serious
A healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of developing certain diseases and keep certain risk factors under control. These include noncommunicable diseases, which, according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), are the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. They include cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, and others.
In addition, keeping your family’s vaccine schedule up-to-date is crucial to preventing illnesses in young and old alike. For example, according to the CDC, the human papillomavirus (HPV) causes more than 27,000 cancer cases annually among women and men. Shingles, which can be prevented by vaccine, is contracted by 1 million people annually in the United States alone.
Many conditions can be controlled or even eradicated when diagnosed early
Detecting a disease at an early stage can make treatment easier and, in some cases, improve the chances of recovery. These include cervical cancer, the fourth most common type of cancer among women worldwide. It can be cured when treated at an early stage, and screening for it can be part of the routine tests that doctors commonly recommend for adult women during a preventive medical checkup.
The same applies to colorectal cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer-related death in the United States. Early treatment of this disease, which can also be detected through preventive screening for adult men and women, often leads to a complete cure.
Cardiovascular diseases can also develop over many years before becoming apparent as a complication. According to Dr. Clara Inés Saldarriaga of Clínica Cardio VID, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. However, a significant proportion of these diseases can be prevented through the detection and strategic management of risk factors. That’s why preventive checkups can help identify these factors and allow you to take action before a cardiovascular event occurs.
Regular check-ups positively impact your life
Regular medical check-ups and doctor consults bring factors to the forefront that can positively or negatively impact your health. They can also help you identify which habits you may need to adjust and receive guidance on how to incorporate healthier habits into your daily routine. Learn more about how to develop healthy habits.
Here are some important statistics from the WHO (World Health Organization) to consider:
❂ Tobacco is responsible for more than 8 million deaths a year (including the side effects of exposure to second-hand smoke).
❂ Excess salt and sodium intake may contribute to 1.8 million deaths annually.
❂ Insufficient physical activity may cause more than 800,000 deaths per year.
Your doctor can provide guidance on nutrition, healthy habits, and exercise routines tailored to your needs. This support is especially important when there are factors that may affect your metabolic and cardiovascular health, such as excess adiposity. Learn more about the current approach to treating obesity.
With VUMI®, you can access preventive medical checkups, physicians and specialists, as well as diagnostic tests, according to the benefits and terms of your plan.
In addition, if an evaluation identifies a condition that requires further testing or treatment, you can have access to internationally recognized specialists and medical centers, as well as Medical Second Opinion services with international experts.
Consult your insurance agent to find out how to schedule an annual preventive medical check-up, just one of your VUMI plan’s comprehensive benefits.
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Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/adults/vpd-sp.html
https://www.paho.org/es/temas/enfermedades-no-transmisibles
https://www.who.int/es/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/noncommunicable-diseases
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cervical-cancer
https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/ency/article/000262.htm
