Many people have the misconception that they should see a doctor only when they are unwell and unable to self medicate over-the-counter. But times have changed. People are now more knowledgeable and empowered about their health and lifestyle choices. And with the concept of preventive health care becoming increasingly common, seeking preemptive medical check ups in Singapore has become the new norm.
Why regular medical check ups in Singapore are important
On top of having a balanced diet and exercising regularly, going for regular medical check ups are also an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Regular medical check ups in Singapore are recommended for everyone. Here, we discuss some of the reasons why regular medical check ups should be woven into your lifestyle.
#1 Regular medical check ups allow you to take a proactive approach and recognise pre-existing conditions
A regular medical check up in Singapore can help identify if you are at risk of, or have a condition, and even prevent diseases before they start developing.
Early symptoms are often difficult to detect. By the time you notice them, they may already have escalated dramatically — which may require more intensive and expensive treatment.
Going for regular medical check ups also allow you and your doctor to focus on a preventive measure for high-risk disease, instead of treating that disease. Any abnormality that potentially leads to more severe illnesses or diseases can be detected and nipped in the bud to prevent unnecessary suffering.
For example, if you have hypertension or high blood pressure, it can translate into health issues such as heart diseases, stroke, kidney failure, or medical conditions such as internal bleeding. Additionally, these pre-existing conditions can cause further complications if you are infected with other illnesses such as COVID-19.
#2 Early detection of illnesses can prolong your life significantly
Regular medical check ups can detect any potentially serious ailments that you may suffer from. This is important as it allows you to get treated earlier.
At the same time, you can get good health advice from the doctor to prevent the medical condition or disease from spiralling out of control.
This usually leads to a higher chance of success, while lowering any risk of further complications — and in more unfortunate circumstances, death.
For example, diseases such as cancer have a survival rate of 80% to 90% when detected early at stage 1. However, the chances of survival drop if it’s discovered later at stages 3 or 4.
#3 Going for regular medical check ups can save you a lot of money in the long run
We often skip going to the doctor because of time or financial pressure, without considering the bigger picture — the costs and implications of a serious disease.
Having health conditions diagnosed early during regular medical check ups not only saves you money, but pain and suffering as well.
Preventive measures such as medical check ups can help with prompt diagnosis, and ensure that the right treatment and support is put in place early. On the other hand, treating a condition diagnosed at a later stage may mean forking out more time and money.
If you’re worried about costs, fret not. Health screening packages in Singapore are generally affordable and fuss-free. The Health Promotion Board (HPB) offers the Screen for Life (SFL) package at $5 and below for eligible Singaporean adults. It includes screening for cervical and colorectal cancer, as well as chronic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity.
#4 Regular medical check ups help you track and manage your state of health
Going for regular medical check ups gives you insights into the current state of your health.
Beyond basic tests, your health screening also factors in risks according to your age and lifestyle. These tests can detect if you are susceptible to any diseases or conditions that you may be at risk of developing.
You can get good health advice on how to improve your state of health. That way, you can easily track and manage your health over time.
#5 Combat stress-related illnesses effectively
Did you know that in Singapore, a large portion of medical cases is related to our increasing stress levels? Increased stress levels can cause severe mental and physical problems such as depression, heart diseases, gastrointestinal problems, and diabetes.
Going for regular medical check ups can help to detect, diagnose, and treat these problems before they become serious or even deadly.
The doctor can also help with managing your stress levels and fighting these stress-related illnesses.
Moreover, when you are going for medical check ups regularly, you eliminate any stress or anxiety about whether or not you are in good health.
FAQ
Here are some commonly asked questions about medical check ups in Singapore.
#1 How often should you go for a medical check up?
For all individuals:
| Age group | To screen for | Screening test | Frequency |
| 18 and above | Obesity | Body Mass Index (BMI) Waist circumference | Once a year |
| Hypertension (High blood pressure) | Blood pressure measurement | Once every 2 years or more frequently as advised by your doctor | |
| 40 and above | Diabetes | Fasting blood glucose HbA1c | Once every 3 years (or as frequently as advised by your physician) |
| High blood cholesterol | Fasting lipids Non-fasting lipids | Once every 3 years (or as frequently as advised by your physician) | |
| 50 and above | Colorectal cancer | Faecal immunochemical test (to detect blood in stools) | Once a year |
| Colonoscopy | Once every 10 years |
Additional tests for women:
| Age group | To screen for | Screening test | Frequency |
| Women aged 25-69 | Cervical cancer | Pap test | Once every 3 years |
| HPV test | Once every 5 years | ||
| Women aged 50-69 | Breast cancer | Mammogram | Once every 2 years |
#2 How do you prepare for a medical check up?
Here are some tips for a successful check up in Singapore:
- Try to get a good 8 hours of sleep. Getting a good sleep the day before your health screening can help to regulate your blood pressure.
- Avoid salty, fatty, or caffeinated food and drinks for at least 24 hours before your medical check up.
- Avoid exercising before your medical check up. Exercising before your medical check up could elevate your heart rate and lower your potassium levels.
- Schedule your appointment in the morning. Some medical examinations require you to fast for 8 to 10 hours, with only plain water allowed. Scheduling your appointment in the morning can allow you to simply fast overnight while you’re sleeping.
- Drink plain water 2 hours before your check up, as you’ll most likely be required to provide a urine sample.
- Don’t take any medication the night before your medical check up and have a list of medications that you are taking ready for the examiner to record.
- Wear clothes you are comfortable in — women can wear two-piece outfits to undress waist down for pap smear tests.
- If you are feeling unwell, postpone your health screening. Illnesses and medications can affect your screening outcome.
#3 What does a full medical check up package in Singapore include?
Here are some common tests included in full health check up packages in Singapore:
- Medical health assessment to assess your medical history and lifestyle, to identify any potential risks.
- Physical examination to take your weight and height, measure your BMI, and check your vision.
- Blood glucose test to test for diabetes.
- Cholesterol test to test for high cholesterol and heart diseases.
#4 Where can I go for a medical check up in Singapore, and how much does it cost?
To encourage Singaporeans and PRs to go for regular screenings and follow-up, the Health Promotion board (HPB) launched the national screening programme Screen for Life (SFL). The programme offers eligible Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents (PRs) subsidised screenings, recommended based on age and gender.
SFL can be used for cervical and colorectal cancer, as well as chronic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity.
Although Medisave cannot be used for medical check ups, it can be used to pay for the screening of chronic diseases. Women aged 50 and above are also eligible to use up to $400 of their own or family member’s Medisave for mammograms at approved clinics. Individuals aged 50 and above are also eligible to use their own or family member’s Medisave for screening colonoscopies at approved clinics.
Ready to get your health screened? Read more about where to go for a health screening in Singapore here.
Learn more about health screening packages in Singapore and get yourself screened today with MyDoc.
