Your body needs attention. Test yourselves and keep a lookout for anything that prevents you from being fit and functional.

From the very first day to our last, our body, and everything that comprises it, including the internal organs and systems are relentlessly working without rest. They work like an automated machine programmed to function without pause. We are no different than any machinery or robot as our bodies seek constant repairs and maintenance too. The trillions cells in our body, all have different functions inside the body naturally need timely and regular attention for the best performance. Here are ten medical tests you need to keep an eye on:

Physical

Blood Pressure, pulse and BMI

Lipid metabolism

Cholesterol both HDL and LDL/ Triglycerides

Sugar Metabolism

Blood Sugar Fasting and HbA1C

Gout

Uric Acid

Kidney performance

Creatinine / Urea / Sodium/ Potassium

Liver Performance

GOT/ GPT/ Billirubin / Gamma GT / LIPASE

Thyroid Function

Free T3 / Free T4 / TSH (especially for female)

Blood Health

Hemogram

Excretory Health

Stool and Urine analysis

Vitamins availability

Vitamin D Total / Vitamin B12

Based on the stages in life, there are further several health checkups that one must consider, because our bodies grow and change with time.

Newborn

Screening newborn babies using laboratory blood tests is important for the early diagnosis and treatment of certain rare genetic and congenital disorders. This is usually done within a few days of birth when the disorders would otherwise not be clinically apparent at this early age.

Although the chances of being diagnosed with such conditions in babies aren’t very common however, if diagnosed and treated early it can help improve their health and prevent severe disability or even death.

Infants

All newborn babies in the UK are now screened during the first week of life for five inherited disorders: Phenylketonuria, Congenital Hypothyroidism (CHT), Cystic Fibrosis (CF), Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). The targeted screening of older infants may be important for the early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of certain conditions that may not have been discovered in the newborn. There is currently insufficient evidence to support population screening for any of these conditions. However, for those infants with known risk factors, testing may be appropriate and include conditions such as iron deficiency, lead poisoning, tuberculosis (TB) and HIV.

A physical screening program is performed by physical examination, usually prior to 18 months of age, to check for normal growth and development.

Immunizations against variety of diseases are available for infants in both private as well as in public hospitals. These diseases include diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough) – (DTP), haemophilus influenzae type B (HiB), measles, mumps, rubella (German measles) - (MMR), polio and Group C meningococcus. Hepatitis B vaccine is offered to all babies born to hepatitis B positive mothers. Some of the above mentioned injections are started before the age of one year.

Children

A screening test is a test that is performed when there are no signs or symptoms of any disease in the children. Preventive services for children emphasize immunization and prevention of accidents and injuries as well as counseling on development of healthy eating and exercise habits. In addition to immunization boosters, vaccination for tuberculosis is offered between the ages of ten and fourteen following patch testing. Height, weight, and blood pressure, should be monitored during periodic health examinations. Screening to prevent tooth decay should be carried out through regular dental checks.

Young Adult

Throughout adolescence, the emphasis is on immunizations and counseling to prevent illness, injury, and early death. Attention is given to accident and injury prevention as well as health risks from sexual activity, and high-risk pursuits such as smoking and substance abuse. From the age of eighteen, cervical screening is carried out to young women.

Adult

Cancers like cervical, bowel and breast have to be screened along with diabetes, and coronary heart disease which is important for this age group. In addition, screening for ovarian cancer is also important. Periodic health examinations will allow height, weight, and blood pressure to be monitored.

50 Plus

Cancers like cervical, bowel and breast have to be screened along with diabetes, and coronary heart disease which is important for this age group. In addition, screening for ovarian cancer is also important. Periodic health examinations will allow height, weight, and blood pressure to be monitored.

Pregnancies

There is a mandatory rule in Nepal to have certain infectious disease screened during pre-conception and during first, second and third trimester.