The general medical examination has been considered as one of the most important practices in preventive medicine. It has been called “periodic medical examination” since its period can vary between one and five years, depending on the age. However, some people call it “annual examination” because of its annual periodicity.
In children, the periodic examination needs to be frequent as it is accompanied by other preventive measures, such as vaccines. Nonetheless, in adolescents and adults it is common to go to the doctor when there are any symptoms of illness. Occasionally, a medical examination is required to determine the state of health to obtain a job, a trip, a driving license, studies, or to engage in some risky activities.
Since a large percentage of serious diseases are a result of lifestyles, environmental or genetic factors, the doctor plays an important role on preventing diseases by selecting the study methods, and giving the appropriate counseling.
There are levels of prevention. The first one is to prevent a disease before it occurs: vaccines, for example. The second one consists in detecting diseases at the earliest stage of their development, such as mammography in breast cancer. The third level of prevention prevents complications when there is already a disease, for example, medication for high blood pressure or diabetes.
The medical examination plays an important role in the detection of diseases, since the lifestyle, the symptoms of the patient and the physical examination often detect conditions or diseases at the beginning. A follow-up is important as many times the doctor can see changes in the patient over time, which the same patient may have not noticed.
In adults, one of the most important fears is the appearance of cancer, which is why much of the medical checkup in adults is aimed at the early detection of malignant tumors. Another important aspect that worries adults is the early detection of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, osteoporosis, lung diseases in smokers, etc.
Based on the what has been stated before, the recommendation of a routine checkup of an apparently healthy person with no symptoms of illness has been stratified by age and gender groups. The guides say what are the tests that a healthy person must have, of certain age, every certain time (usually it is annual).
The doctor, with their criterion, will state if more tests are necessary. The medical review is the best way there is to prevent any type of disease, as well as to treat it in time.
Here we have only a few examples.
A general medical checkup should include:
Basic blood test that includes cholesterol and glucose, weight control, blood 
pressure, electrocardiogram, tumor markers from a certain age. As well as chest x-ray and / or abdominal ultrasound in some cases.
Gynecological review
Women aged 18 and over must be checked once a year. It is also advisable to have a cytology, in addition to tests that include testing for human papillomavirus (HPV), the precursor of cervical cancer. From about 25 years of age, breast ultrasounds are recommended. Meanwhile, after 40 years should include a mammogram.
Prostate
Men older than 50 years have to be tested annually. The PSA value is the most important to control the prostate and is determined by tests.
If you want to know what tests are necessary for your age, consult our page www.familydoctors24h.com and you will find all the information in our blog or you can call us and make an appointment. The doctors of Gran Alacant Family doctor 24h, are accredited professionals, dedicated and very close to you, trustworthy. María José, Patricia and Soraya, speak English, and we assure you a quick response, confidentiality, communication. The results of the analytics will be told the same day, and some special tests are managed with our collaborating hospitals, in them we guarantee a special treatment , as well as preferred appointments for our patients (the same day or as soon as possible) If you want to know us visit our clinic, it will be a pleasure to assist you.
To make an appointment visit www.familydoctors24h.com or call T: 865 789 554
Gran Alacant Family Doctos, Calle Holanda 9, MASA Square, Gran Alacant
Family plan membership:
- 160€ per year per person
- 300€ per couple
- 560€ Family of 4
- FREE Annual Dentist check & polish
- FREE Fluor in children
- GP consultations 20€
- 10% discount with specialists
- 50% discount emergency home visit
- Annual Gynecologist complete revision 75€
- Psychology: 5 session 225€ 10 session 400€ Special offers for members only each month
