Take charge of your health for better outcomes and greater peace of mind.
TEXT: MELODY TAN
PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK
With health screenings come the fear of unknown outcomes, which is likened to the anxiety of waiting for exam grades without being fully prepared. But evading screenings doesn’t alter the state of your health — it simply delays the acknowledgement of any underlying issues.
Health screenings, which involve a series of physical examinations, tests, and other procedures, are important for the early detection of diseases that might otherwise go unnoticed if symptoms have not manifested yet. For example, the urinalysis test — in which the individual provides a urine sample — can help detect various conditions, such as urinary tract infections, kidney disease, and liver disease.
Though research has shown that health screenings are associated with longer life expectancies, there are still some common misconceptions that deter individuals from undergoing them. Read on to find out more about the benefits of health screenings and the tests that should be performed at each life stage.
MYTH #1: HEALTH SCREENINGS ARE EXPENSIVE
When we think about health screenings, we tend to associate them with a high cost. However, there are ways to take charge of your health without breaking the bank.
Singaporeans who have signed up for Healthier SG (HSG) have access to a fully-subsidised health screening at their enrolled HSG clinic under Screen for Life, the national health screening programme.
The subsidy covers the cost of the recommended screening tests and doctor’s consultation if they are performed during the same visit, as well as the first follow-up consultation fee if necessary.
MYTH #2: HEALTH SCREENINGS AREN’T NECESSARY IF I’M NOT ILL
Many common diseases do not display noticeable symptoms until they progress to an advanced stage.
6 out of 10 people diagnosed with diabetes mellitus — sometimes referred to as a “silent disease” — report having zero symptoms, but early detection has been shown to reduce diabetes-related deaths caused by cardiovascular damage.
By catching diseases early, health screenings can ensure that patients have more treatment options and more time to reverse the disease’s course.
MYTH #3: ONCE IS ENOUGH
A single health screening is like a photograph — it only captures information at that point in time. As many health conditions develop with age, it’s especially important to keep close tabs on your health through screenings.
Based on your medical history and other risk factors such as age or gender, your doctor will make a recommendation on how often you should undergo health screenings, and what tests or examinations should be included.
THE RIGHT TIME: HEALTH SCREENINGS THROUGHOUT YOUR LIFE
| AT THIS AGE | YOU SHOULD BE SCREENED FOR… |
|---|---|
|
Hearing loss, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, inborn errors of metabolism, and primary hypothyroidism |
|
|
Eyesight, hearing, growth and development, spinal screening for scoliosis (girls only), height and body mass index if needed |
|
|
Obesity and hypertension |
|
|
Diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidaemia (high blood cholesterol) |
|
|
Colorectal cancer |
| HEALTH SCREENINGS BASED ON GENDER NEEDS | |
|---|---|
|
Cervical cancer |
|
|
Breast cancer |
|
|
Prostate cancer |
MYTH #4: I ALREADY SEE A GP REGULARLY, SO HEALTH SCREENINGS AREN’T NEEDED
Perhaps you already see your general practitioner (GP) regularly to manage a chronic health condition.
That doesn’t mean, however, that you can skip out on health screenings. After all, GP visits are usually focused on treating an existing condition and the consultation won’t include tests, examinations or other procedures designed to detect unrelated problems like cancer or cardiovascular disease.
MYTH #5: THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE PACKAGE IS THE BEST
While it might be tempting to be kiasu and add on all the additional tests available in a health screening package, your doctor might point out that they are unnecessary.
The tests in health screenings can be divided into three categories: Tests for the most common conditions, like obesity and hypertension; tests that are suitable for some individuals with high risk factors for certain diseases, like liver cancer or osteoporosis; and tests that are not recommended for screening, as there is little evidence proving their usefulness in this setting.
To find out what tests your ideal health screening should consist of, speak to your GP, who will make recommendations based on your personal health profile.
HOW HOMETEAMNS SUPPORTS YOUR HEALTH
Besides access to fitness amenities at HomeTeamNS clubhouses — such as Fitness Workz gyms and swimming pools — HomeTeamNS members can sign up for numerous sport and fitness and health and wellness courses.
There are also special rates for health screenings from various providers. Sign up your spouse, children and parents for the free one-year HomeTeamNS Family Membership, so that they can enjoy access to the same wellness benefits:
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