Benefits of Medical Screenings

It’s human nature to delay or avoid anything unpleasant. However, putting off recommended medical screenings can jeopardize your health. Without medical screenings, you’re living with the possibility that a disease may progress to a dangerous state before you know you have it. 

If you’re advised to have a specific medical test, it’s important to follow through and have it done. Most medical tests can be performed quickly and comfortably. Minor inconveniences like pre-test fasting offset the fact that most medical screenings can give you an advantage over potentially fatal conditions and possibly save your life.

The specific medical screenings recommended for you depend on your age, medical and family histories, and current health. Patients under the care of physicians at Macomb Medical Clinic in Sterling Heights, Michigan, can take advantage of convenient, in-office medical screenings to manage their health. This one-stop-shop approach allows the staff of screening and diagnostic specialists to provide comprehensive care that achieves the best possible outcomes.

Find out more about the benefits of some of the most common types of medical screenings that the staff of Macom Medical Clinic recommends.

Allergy testing

Several types of allergy testing identify allergens so your physician can develop a plan to help you avoid the substances and manage symptoms when interaction occurs. This critical information can prevent a tragedy if you have life-threatening allergic reactions.

Allergy testing can involve a skin prick test, which checks for multiple substances at once by applying an extract of potential allergy-causing substances on the skin, then pricking the skin, and observing the reaction. 

Intradermal skin testing involves injecting a small amount of the suspected allergen into the skin and observing the reaction. A blood allergy test measures specific antibodies to determine allergens. 

Blood pressure check

A blood pressure check measures the pressure of your blood against the walls of your arteries when your heart pumps blood. This quick and painless test uses an inflatable cuff that is placed around your arm. A health care professional measures your blood pressure using a gauge on the cuff while listening to your pulse with a stethoscope. This common medical screening can identify high blood pressure, or hypertension, a condition that can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and even death if untreated.

Blood sugar test

A blood sugar test measures levels of blood sugar, or blood glucose. If you have too much glucose in your blood, you may have diabetes. High readings can also help identify kidney disease, pancreatitis, and pancreatic cancer. Low readings can target low blood glucose, which can increase your risk of major health problems and brain damage if untreated. Depending on the type of blood sugar test recommended, you may have to fast or drink a sugary liquid prior to having your blood drawn.

Blood test

A blood test can identify a wide range of conditions and diseases. Depending on your symptoms, your physician can indicate the markers that they want to be assessed. Different blood tests provide medical screenings for bone diseases, Vitamin D deficiency, high cholesterol, thyroid disease, HIV/AIDS, anemia, coronary heart disease, hormone levels, and sexually transmitted diseases. Results from specific types of blood work can also indicate how well your liver, kidneys, thyroid, and heart operate.

Gynecological exam

A typical gynecological exam includes a Pap test, a test that uses a sample of cells from your cervix to look for cancer and the human papillomavirus (HPV). Cells can also be taken to check for chlamydia and gonorrhea. The exam typically includes a clinical breast cancer exam to screen for signs of breast cancer.

Mental health screening

A mental health screening can help determine whether you’re dealing with symptoms of a mental health condition so you can benefit from intervention. Early diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions can lead to better outcomes and reduce periods of disability. Physicians also use these screenings to identify substance use disorders, which can have life-threatening consequences if untreated. 

Obesity screening

Obesity screening includes calculation of your body mass index (BMI), a measurement based on your height and weight. Your BMI indicates whether you’re considered overweight or obese, both of which increase your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other health conditions. Physicians use obesity screening to identify patients who require treatment with a weight loss program.

Medical screenings identify diseases before symptoms occur so you can get treatment as early as possible. These tests can also monitor disease progress and help physicians determine effective treatments. Find out which medical screenings are appropriate for you. Call our office to arrange a consultation.