While many focus on prosperity and success during the Lunar New Year, prioritizing health is equally, if not more, important. A proactive approach to health, such as scheduling routine screenings, can help you achieve better well-being and longevity. 

Health screenings, or health assessments, are not just a tool for detecting potential health issues but a foundation for living a healthier life. Here’s why they should be on your agenda this Lunar New Year.

Why Routine Health Checks Matter

Routine health screenings are designed to detect potential health issues before they become serious. Early detection can save lives by catching conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and certain cancers when they are most treatable. Regular check-ups:

• Reduce the risk of complications by addressing problems early.

• Identify silent conditions without noticeable symptoms.

• Offer peace of mind by confirming your health is on track.

The New Year is an opportunity to set health-related goals. Health screenings can complement resolutions to improve fitness, manage weight, or embrace a healthier lifestyle. As they provide a baseline for your current health status and help you set realistic and measurable goals.

Different Types of Health Assessments for Your New Year Check-Up

1. Basic Routine Health Screenings

Basic health screenings are foundational tests designed to assess overall health and wellness. These are ideal for younger individuals or those with no significant risk factors. They typically include routine measurements and tests like blood pressure, lipid panel, fasting blood glucose, and body composition. Basic screenings are often the first step in preventive healthcare and are sufficient for people who are generally healthy.

Recommended for:

• Healthy adults under 40

• Those seeking a general health checkup

Key tests include:

• Physical examination: BMI, body fat percentage, and blood pressure measurement

• Full blood count: Haemoglobin, red blood cells, haematocrit, and platelets

• Diabetes profile: HbA1c

• Bone and joint profile: Calcium, uric acid, and phosphate levels

• Cholesterol and heart health profile: Total cholesterol, triglycerides, and Chol/HDL ratio

2. Comprehensive Health Screenings

Comprehensive health screenings go beyond basic tests to provide a detailed overview of your health. They include assessments for liver and kidney function, imaging studies, and cancer screenings, making them ideal for individuals with risk factors or those entering middle age.

Recommended for:

• Individuals with certain risk factors

• Adults entering middle age seeking an in-depth health evaluation

Typical components:

• All basic routine health screening tests

• Liver and kidney function tests

• Cancer markers

• Imaging studies: Chest X-rays, ultrasounds, and ECG

3. Specific Health Screenings

For those with a family history of certain conditions or known risk factors, tailored screenings offer targeted insights. For instance:

• Cardiac health screenings for individuals with a history of cardiovascular disease, including tests like echocardiograms and stress tests.

• Cancer screenings for individuals with a family history of cancer, incorporating genetic testing and blood tests to detect cancer-associated alterations. For example, LucenceINSIGHT is a non-invasive blood test that screens for 12 different types of cancer. For a broader assessment, LucenceINSIGHT Plus evaluates risks for an additional 38 cancers, including leukemia and a common age-related bone marrow condition linked to cardiovascular and hematologic risks.

Recommended Reading: Screening for Cancer

4. Screenings for Longevity

Longevity-focused health screenings are gaining popularity as they assess biomarkers associated with aging, inflammation, and oxidative stress. These screenings provide a detailed look at future health risks and actionable insights to optimize long-term health and lifespan.

Recommended for:

• Individuals prioritizing long-term health

• Those looking to manage existing conditions, reduce body fat, improve metabolic health, or lower cardiovascular risk

Key components:

• Baseline blood work: Assessment of heart, metabolic health, liver, kidney, immune system, and blood parameters

• Metabolic markers: Fasting insulin and glucose levels

• Nutrient levels: Zinc, magnesium, iron, iron-binding capacity, and folate

• Hormonal health:

• Male health: Testosterone

• Female health: Follicle-stimulating hormone

Longevity screenings provide a personalised roadmap to slow down ageing and optimise health.

Recommended Reading: Longevity Testing - What should you test and why?

Health Screenings as a Thoughtful Gift

Health screenings make a meaningful gift especially for our aging parents or grandparents. With age, the risk of chronic conditions increases. A health screening gift shows care and provides reassurance by addressing their unique health concerns and offering a proactive approach to their well-being.

By gifting health screening vouchers, you also encourage a culture of wellness within your family. Consider group screenings to support each other in health journeys and share results and motivate healthier habits together.

Many delay screenings due to time, fear, or cost. Address these barriers by choosing health clinics with flexible hours or online consultation/review options, remembering that early detection leads to better outcomes, and that exploring affordable options, such as those covered by insurance or government subsidies. The peace of mind and health benefits outweigh any initial hesitation.