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 :

• Obesity
• Hypertension or High Blood Pressure
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol

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.

Family history of cancer, smoking and obesity are the risk factors to cancer. Control or avoiding the risk factors such as smoking and obesity help to reduce the risk of cancer. Early screening helps to detect the disease early and early treatment.

How to screen?

1. Weight and height for BMI
   At least 6 monthly (start screening at 20 years old).
2. Blood pressure
   At least yearly (start screening at 20 years old).
3. Blood glucose level
   1. For those with risk factors, yearly screening earlier than 30 years old.
   2. For those without risk factors, screening starts at 30 years old and repeat yearly.
4. Blood cholesterol level
   If any of your family members have high blood cholesterol level, have you blood cholosterol level checked at least once a year.
5. FOBT
   Yearly, starting at the age of 50 years old until 75 years old for those at low risk. Screen yearly if result is normal.
6. Colonoscopy
   Preferred test for moderate and high risk population. If colonoscopy normal, repeat screening at 3 to 10 years depend on the risk.

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 150 minutes a week (moderate intensity exercise). 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.