menu
FR | EN
Medical assistance
Certified Medical Tourism ProfessionalBest Medical Travel Agency 2015Best use of technology in Medical Travel 2017

News

4 results
The Top 10 Tests You Should Include in Your Health Check-up

07/02/2024

Regular health check-ups are essential for maintaining optimal health and detecting potential health issues early. Including specific medical tests as part of your routine check-up can provide valuable insights into your overall well-being and help identify any underlying health concerns.  Here are the top 10 tests you should consider including in your health check-up: Blood Pressure Measurement Checking blood pressure is crucial for assessing cardiovascular health. High blood pressure (hypertension) is a significant risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular complications. Monitoring blood pressure regularly helps identify hypertension early and allows for timely intervention through lifestyle changes or medication. Cholesterol Levels (Lipid Profile) A lipid profile measures levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. High cholesterol levels are associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Screening for cholesterol levels helps assess cardiovascular risk and guide interventions such as dietary modifications, exercise, or medication to manage cholesterol levels. Blood Glucose (Blood Sugar) Test Monitoring blood glucose levels is essential for detecting diabetes or prediabetes. High blood sugar levels indicate impaired glucose metabolism, which can lead to diabetes if left untreated. Early detection allows for lifestyle modifications and interventions to prevent or manage diabetes effectively. Complete Blood Count (CBC) A complete blood count evaluates various components of blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. CBC helps diagnose conditions such as anemia, infections, and blood disorders. It provides valuable insights into overall health and helps identify underlying medical conditions. Thyroid Function Tests Thyroid function tests assess the levels of thyroid hormones (TSH, T3, T4) in the blood. Thyroid dysfunction can lead to various health issues, including fatigue, weight changes, and mood disturbances. Monitoring thyroid function helps diagnose thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism and guides appropriate treatment. Liver Function Tests (LFTs) Liver function tests evaluate liver enzymes and proteins in the blood, providing insights into liver health. Abnormal LFT results may indicate liver damage or dysfunction, which can result from various causes such as alcohol consumption, viral hepatitis, or fatty liver disease. Monitoring liver function helps diagnose liver disorders and guides management strategies. Kidney Function Tests (Renal Panel) Kidney function tests assess the levels of creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and other markers of kidney function in the blood. Abnormal kidney function tests may indicate kidney disease or impaired kidney function. Monitoring kidney function helps detect kidney disorders early and guides interventions to prevent kidney damage. Bone Density Test (DEXA Scan) A bone density test, also known as a DEXA scan, measures bone mineral density and assesses the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. It helps diagnose osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weakened bones, and guides preventive measures such as dietary changes, exercise, and medication to maintain bone health. Colon Cancer Screening (Colonoscopy or Fecal Occult Blood Test) Colon cancer screening aims to detect colorectal cancer or precancerous polyps in the colon or rectum. Colonoscopy and fecal occult blood tests are common screening methods used to identify abnormalities in the colon. Early detection through colon cancer screening improves treatment outcomes and reduces mortality from colorectal cancer. Breast Cancer Screening (Mammography) Mammography is a screening test used to detect breast cancer in its early stages. It involves imaging the breast tissue to identify abnormal changes such as lumps or calcifications. Regular mammograms help detect breast cancer early, when it is most treatable, and increase the chances of successful treatment and survival. Including these essential medical tests in your health check-up provides a comprehensive assessment of your health and helps identify any potential health concerns early. Regular monitoring and early detection enable timely interventions and preventive measures, contributing to better health outcomes and overall well-being. To find out more about the health check-up services we offer, visit our check-up center. *Image by Bruno Pixabay

Preventative Care for Women: Understanding the Importance of Regular Gynecological Exams and Breast

19/01/2023

Preventative care for women is crucial for maintaining good health and detecting potential health problems early on. One important aspect of preventative care for women is regular gynecological exams and breast cancer screenings. These exams and screenings can help detect and prevent a variety of health issues, including cancer, sexually transmitted infections, and other conditions that can impact women's reproductive health. A gynecological exam is a routine check-up that includes a pelvic exam and a pap smear. During a pelvic exam, a healthcare provider will examine a woman's reproductive organs, including the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. A pap smear, also known as a cervical cancer screening, is a test that looks for abnormal cells on the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. Regular pelvic exams and pap smears are important for detecting cervical cancer and other conditions, such as endometriosis and ovarian cysts, in their early stages. In addition to gynecological exams, regular breast cancer screenings are also an important part of preventative care for women. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, and early detection is key to survival. There are two main types of breast cancer screenings: mammograms and clinical breast exams. A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast, and a clinical breast exam is a physical examination of the breast by a healthcare provider. Both types of screenings can help detect breast cancer early, when the chances of treating it are higher. It is recommended that women between the ages of 50 and 74 have a mammogram every two years, and women over the age of 75 should continue to have mammograms as long as they are in good health. Women between the ages of 40 and 49 should talk to their healthcare provider about when to start having mammograms and how often to have them. Regular gynecological exams and breast cancer screenings can be a daunting prospect for some women, but they are important for maintaining good health. It is important to remember that these exams and screenings are not just about detecting cancer, but also about detecting and preventing other conditions that can affect women's reproductive health. It's important for women to make sure they are aware of their body and any changes that happen. It's also important for them to communicate with their healthcare provider about any concerns they have. They should be aware of the different types of screenings and tests that are available to them and understand the benefits of these tests. *Image by Alisa Dyson from Pixabay 

Breast cancer screening should be more frequent for overweight women

22/11/2017

Overweight or obese women may not detect cancerous breast lumps until they are much larger and more difficult to treat, a Swedish study has found. Researchers from the Karolinksa Institute studied more than 2,000 women who developed breast cancer between 2001 and 2008, all of who had been receiving mammograms every 18 months to two years, as is standard in Sweden. They found that women with higher body mass indexes (BMIs) were more likely to have a larger tumour when detected than women who were slimmer. Lead author of the study, Fredrik Strand, said this was either because the tumours were harder to detect because overweight women have larger breasts or because their tumours grew faster. Women who are overweight are already at greater risk of developing breast cancer and, unfortunately, larger tumours carry a worse prognosis. Therefore, these women may need more frequent mammograms to help spot tumours early, say the researchers. Women who are judged to be at greater risk of developing breast cancer – such as those with a family history – are already offered more frequent screening. Speaking about the findings of the study, Strand said: “Our study suggests that when a clinician presents the pros and cons of breast cancer screening to the patient, having high BMI should be an important 'pro' argument”.

Important Health Tests for Women over 40

23/09/2014

If you’re a woman over the age of 40 you should undergo routine health check-ups, even if you aren’t exhibiting any symptoms or feeling unwell. Some of these tests will probably be new to you but they are ultimately important. The earlier that cancers and other conditions are detected, the greater chance of a full recovery. Therefore, the following screening tests for women should be carried out in addition to the ones outlined in our previous blog post. Cervical Cancer Screening Even though cervical cancer screening tests are regular occurrences for women of all ages, it is important that you continue them as you get older. During screening, a doctor or nurse will use a speculum to hold your vagina open and gently collect some cells from your cervix using a small brush. These cells are subsequently tested in a laboratory and if your sample is normal, you will be invited for another test every three years until you reach the age of 49, after which time the screening schedule is extended to every five years until you reach the age of 64. Breast Cancer Screening Depending on your medical history and country of residence, you will usually be invited for a mammogram between your 50th and 53rd birthday. However, you should get into the habit of regularly checking your breasts and seeking medical advice if you detect anything unusual. Breast cancer screening is designed to pick up any signs of breast cancer at an early stage, making any subsequent treatment more likely to be effective. During your screening you’ll be asked to undress to the waist and your breasts will be X-rayed two times. Bone Test Osteoporosis affects both men and women but it is more common in women over the age of 50. The primary symptom of the disease is a tendency for bones to fracture easily. A DEXA bone scan will help determine if you have Osteoporosis or are at risk of developing it in the future. The scan itself is a special type of X-ray that measures your bone mineral density – hence why it is also known as a bone density scan – and is quick and painless.

expand_less