As it turns out, it takes a lot more than just an apple a day to keep the doctor away
Get ready for your healthiest year yet with this list of top health checks to make in the new year. Trust us, your health will thank you for it!
For so many of us, it’s easy to postponeessential health checks. Maybe you went for an annual checkup with your GP last year and that compensates for the fact that you haven’t been to the dentist in 7 years.
And that’s okay! When 2024 rolls around, it will be the start of a new year and new opportunities! That’s why we have put together this list:
Health checks you need to live your best healthy life in 2024
1. See your GP for your annual checkup
We don’t give enough credit to routine healthcare. Many of us believe that you need to only see your doctor when you are sick, which is not true. When you see your doctor for an annual checkup, they will test your blood pressure, listen to your heart, your breathing, test your cholesterol, your blood sugar, and more.
This is where your doctor will be able to detect and treat any serious underlying health concerns before they develop into something that requires expensive medical care to treat. For example, you might have high blood pressure without even knowing it.
If your doctor is able to pick this up during the early stages of pre-hypertension, then they can suggest lifestyle changes you can make before medical care is needed.
2. An STI test
It’s worth getting a full STI checkup once a year (even if you are fully monogamous). Did you know that STIs such as HPV can lie stagnant for several years before showing any symptoms? Chat to your doctor about testing for STIs.
3. Dental cleaning
When was the last time you saw your dentist? Chances are it wasn’t in the last few months (or even years). It’s a good idea to go to the dentist once a year for a checkup and a cleaning. During a dental cleaning, your dentist will clean your teeth and check for gum disease and cavities. FYI – health insurance includes cover for dentist visits.
4. Get your eyes tested
Are you squinting at your screen right now? It’s time you got your eyes tested. You need to see your optometrist (even if you do not wear glasses) every 12 to 24 months. Get cover for optometry care with health insurance.
5. For the ladies – see your gynaecologist
You should have your reproductive system checked yearly. At this appointment, you and your doctor can also make decisions about birth control, check for uterine abnormalities like cysts or fibroids and take an STI test.
6. Vaccine boosters
Vaccinations boosters are particularly important if you are planning on travelling this year. Make sure your vaccines (tetanus is a common example) are up to date. You should also get the flu vaccine this year and this will lower your chances significantly of getting sick.
7. Test for HIV
Testing yourself for HIV is more important for your health than you may realise. Your status will not only affect your health, your relationships, and your life but your future too. HIV is preventable, and all of us can reduce or eliminate our risk of infection. Early detection can lead to early treatment and, in turn, better outcomes. Chat with your doctor about testing for HIV.
How to afford health checks from a private medical provider
We all know that medical aid is an expense not many of us can afford, which is where health insurance comes into play. Giving you instant access to private healthcare, health insurance is an affordable alternative to medical aid.
Oneplan Health Insurance includes cover for both day-to-day and in-hospital costs in all our plans (starting from only R480pm), as well as casualty, maternity, dread disease, and more. Here’s what else we do that’s awesome:
- We pay you before you see the doctor on your Onecard in 1 minute.
- We let you go any doctor of your choice, giving you access to private medical care from hospitals like Life, Mediclinic, and Netcare.
- Your family members get discounted prices when you add them to your health insurance plan.
- Never pay excess again with our unique Excess Buster Add On
- Manage & upload claims from the palm of your hand with the Oneplan App.
Make 2024 a year of health without the stress of medical bills by joining the Oneplan Family – and make sure you get these health checks sorted sooner than later. When your doctor is able to detect and treat a health issue (from a cavity to cancer) during its early stages of development, this will significantly improve your recovery and treatment outcome.
Your Health Insurance Family,
Oneplan
