All equipment has been tested for all age groups. Today, diagnostic services are widespread and can even be purchased online. So do they help you stay healthy? What is their purpose? We are investigating.
Curious: I wrote this the day after my physical and tried a battery of tests because I wasn’t feeling well. I haven’t been to the lab for a check-up in years. After all, I wonder if it’s worth it if I feel well. Judging by the quotes, it seems inevitable.
Physicals for all ages, from north to south
Thousands of places from north to south now offer physicals for people of all ages and conditions: physicals for pregnant women or those involved in sports, breast screening packages and women’s physicals including cervical screening and mammograms, smoking screening including heart tests, ECG and chest X-rays, all done in one session. How much does it cost? The most complex models can cost from a few hundred euros to over 1,000 euros, but it will cost less if you choose to have the model tested in a laboratory close to your home. If you search for “comparisons and deals” on Google, you will see that there are many low prices, even on Groupon: 34, almost like buying an entire holiday for less than the price of a combo.
Screening is more important than physical examination
However, according to many, including Alessandro Rossi, board member of the Italian Association of General Physicians, excessive testing is not the best prescription for good health. One of the health problems in healthy people, such as cancer, etc. They are evaluated positively for many reasons, because they have a good cost/benefit ratio, they give good results and are something that is given free of charge in many areas.
Screening for people over 50
The doctor explains that the instructions define age and frequency, and that in the absence of a clear indication, early or increased frequency is only valid if there is a risk, such as being informed. The same goes for other checks. « Before a diagnosis can be confirmed, the patient’s risk must be determined based on their personal medical and health history, known medical conditions, and lifestyle. Skipping this step almost always means wasting time and money. Let’s look at the tests recommended during pregnancy. Not all women in their 50s should undergo a bone marrow biopsy, also known as a Moc. If there are no signs that your bone health is at risk, such as if you have previous medical conditions, then it makes more sense to schedule a follow-up appointment. The same goes for cholesterol. “If you’re 50, have a healthy lifestyle, don’t smoke, and aren’t overweight, then it’s a good idea to get a lipid profile done once, but you can do it. The same goes for blood counts, kidney function, and diabetes every few years.
Tests for people under 40
Even if you’re young, you should still get your checkups done every day. “Just two examples come to mind: a mole chart or a woman’s annual gynecological exam,” the expert explained. The problem, he added, is how the review is conducted. “A personal plan should be prepared, involving experts and various groups that make recommendations on what should and should not be done, based on scientific knowledge, and explaining why and how.” Simply put, “care” is a service that citizens should receive in the public sphere, but are not obliged to receive.
