Overview

A full physical examination is a general examination of the body performed by the doctor or general practitioner (GP). The examination will cover most of the basic systems of the body, including the heart system, lung system, gut system and nerve system examination. Additional examination can be added depending on the clinical scenarios. The purposes of a full physical examination is to confirm any present issues after the clinical history; and to find possible pathologies that are present but yet to be known about.

Clinical history and physical examination are the essential part of medicine since Western medicine was established centuries ago. However with the advance of technological investigations, many diseases are diagnosed with blood tests and imaging studies. Many diseases are diagnosed earlier using modern technology where previously physical examination could find nothing, for example prostate cancer, colon cancer, etc.

Regular health check-ups are important for everyone, regardless of your fitness level, age or gender. They may help you live a longer, happier life by preventing a number of health problems from occurring.

If possible, it’s a good idea to see the same Doctor for your health check-ups. Not only will this allow you to build a trusted relationship with your Doctor, but also means that all of your health records are stored under the one ‘roof’. By having access to your full medical background, your Doctor will be able to provide a more comprehensive assessment at your check-ups.

Health checks for children typically include.

• New born baby height and weight
• New born baby blood test to check for metabolic or genetic disorders
• Childhood immunisations
• Regular childhood health checks to assess overall health such as eyesight, hearing, sleeping habits, learning ability, language and physical development.

If you’re in your 20’s & 30’s

• Blood pressure
• Cholesterol and glucose levels
• Pap smear test and pelvic exams
• Skin cancer checks
• Sexual health screenings
• Testes examinations
• Healthy weight assessment

In your 40’s

In addition to the health checklist for 20 and 30 year olds, patients in their 40’s will typical also have an:

• Eye check
• Breast checks
• Health assessment for chronic diseases
• Health assessment for type 2 diabetes
• Prostate check

When you’re in your 50’s and later.

As you move into your 50s, regular preventive health checks with your GP become even more important, because as we get older many of us become more vulnerable to illnesses. Some additional health checks at this stage of life include:

• Breast checks and mammograms
• Bone density scan (to check for Osteoporosis)
• Faecal occult blood test (bowl cancer screening)
• Hearing assessment