Regular Health Check-ups are a Must for Your Parents

Posted on: Sep 14, 2021 | | Written by:

Regular Health Check-ups are a Must for Your Parents

Published on September 13, 2021. EST READ TIME: 3 minutes

Has your aging father been sneezing too much lately or does your aging mother have light back pain? Well, it could be something seasonal, but don't play the waiting game when it comes to the health of the two individuals who have dedicated their entire lives to you. It’s always better to find out the actual cause with a health check-up. In fact, instead of going for a test only when there is a problem, encourage your parents to get regular health screenings even when everything seems fine. This way, many diseases can be detected early on or preventive measures can be taken. Also, early detection helps in faster and easier treatment. Make sure you take adequate health insurance for parents, so that they can receive the best treatment in case of an emergency, without worrying about exorbitant medical bills.

But first let’s take a look at the many benefits of regular health check-ups and the common tests prescribed for seniors.

Common tests for seniors

1. Blood pressure check:

Blood pressure is said to be a `silent killer’ because you may not show any symptoms until it becomes an emergency, increasing your risk of a heart disease and stroke. High blood pressure can be the cause of many other diseases too. Therefore, it is advisable to get the blood pressure of your parents checked twice a year even if it is normal. But if they suffer from high blood pressure or have other risk factors such as diabetes, heart disease or kidney issues, then regular check-ups are necessary.

2. Blood lipid test:

One of the major causes of heart diseases or stroke is high cholesterol and triglycerides. So, when your parents get a regular health check, blood lipids test should be a part of it. If detected early, it can be treated with diet, medication and a healthy lifestyle.

3. Colorectal cancer:

Cancer,especially if it has reached an advanced stage, can turn your life topsy-turvy. And its risk usually goes up with age. So, after your parents turn 50, you should get their colorectal cancer screening done once in 10 years or on a regular basis, depending on your doctor’s recommendation. But if they have any risk factors or if there is a family history of cancer, the test must be done more frequently. Colorectal cancer is treatable if detected on time.

Benefits of tests and physical exam

Apart from routine tests, the doctor might recommend many other tests and physical exams based on the health profile of your parents. For women above the age of 45 or with a family history of breast and uterine cancer, tests such as mammogram, pap smear, pelvic exam should be done regularly. In case of men, prostate cancer test is recommended. In addition to these tests, general tests to check the condition of lungs, bone density test, thyroid test, Vitamin D test, and infectious disease screening can be done.

Regular tests and check-ups can help in the early detection of any disease, so that it gets treated successfully. So, even if your parents feel hale and hearty, routine tests will assess the risk of any possible ailments and help them take preventive steps to stay healthy.

Is annual check-up covered by health insurance?

Most health insurance policies come with free annual health check-up benefit. The benefit varies from one insurance provider to another and depends on your policy too. While some polices offer this benefit annually, some offer it once every 2 years. So, check the terms and conditions of the health insurance for parents before buying a plan. In case you have already purchased such a policy, make sure the coverage is adequate or make necessary changes or additions to it for better protection.

Conclusion

It is natural to not want to think that your aging parents might fall sick one day. But life is unpredictable, and you need to prepare yourself both mentally and financially for medical emergencies, if they crop up. So, make sure your parents go for regular health screenings even if they are alright. You should also get the best health insurance for parents to protect both your savings in case they need expensive treatment or hospitalisation.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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