Eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly are important for maintaining a healthy life. However, it is also important to do regular health checks that can help you detect diseases early-on.

A health check is an assessment of your current health status. While regular health checks are typically done by your primary health care provider, you can do a self-health check on your own.

Self-Checks for Women

For women, the following areas should be looked into regularly:

  • Skin
    Woman should regularly check their moles, freckles, and other skin blemishes, especially for any change in their color, size, or if they’re accompanied with unusual symptoms like pain. If any of these are noticed, don’t hesitate to consult a dermatologist, as women are at high risk for skin cancer.
  • Breasts
    Breast cancer is still one of the most common types of cancer, affecting many women worldwide. This is why it’s very important for women to know how to properly conduct a breast self-exam. A breast self-exam helps women to detect the presence of lumps or abnormalities with their breasts like changes in color, texture, or in the instance of unusual discharges.
  • Mental and Emotional Health
    Although it is normal to feel sad from time to time, feelings of intense irritability, sadness, and anxiety are no longer normal. This is especially true if they’re affecting your sleeping habits and day-to-day life. These symptoms should not be neglected as they may be a sign of a mental health condition.

Self-Checks for Men

There are certain areas that men should check into, to ensure optimal health. These include:

  • Skin
    The presence of unusual mole or freckles should be reported immediately to a dermatologist. While not all types of unusual skin blemishes are life-threatening, if you have any concern, it is best to have them checked by a specialist.
  • Testicles
    From puberty and beyond, men should check their testicles regularly for the presence of lumps or unusual thickening. Any irregularities should be reported immediately to your primary care doctor.
  • Prostate
    Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men. While early stage of prostate cancer may not have symptoms at all, it is best to consult a general practitioner if any of the following symptoms are noticed: difficulty in urinating, frequent urination, straining to urinate, and pain when urinating or during sex.

It can be scary to notice any of these abnormalities on your body, however early diagnosis can help if you find something that requires medical treatment. The team at Premier Surgical of Knoxville are experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of many cancers and disorders. We are dedicated to helping you every step of the way.