Having a Check Up at the doctors?

[Nenya]

Well we all go for regular dentist appointments to check our teeth are doing well so I've always wondered why we don't do it with doctors. I know when you're a baby and toddler you get taken fairly regularly but when you get to our age you only go if there's something you need.

Can you actually ask to have a check up? Because we've been doing about health and diet in Biology so I'm just worried about my general body health so want a check up to see things like Blood pressure, cholesterol levels and things.

Also how do they check for cholesterol levels?

[Melody Pond]

Originally Posted by Darth Cara

Well we all go for regular dentist appointments to check our teeth are doing well so I've always wondered why we don't do it with doctors. I know when you're a baby and toddler you get taken fairly regularly but when you get to our age you only go if there's something you need.

Can you actually ask to have a check up? Because we've been doing about health and diet in Biology so I'm just worried about my general body health so want a check up to see things like Blood pressure, cholesterol levels and things.

Also how do they check for cholesterol levels?

I just went to my doctors and asked for a health check.
He then asked why I wanted one and I said because my Dad and Uncle had a heart attack recently and my Auntie had to have a heart valve transplant and pace maker.

He then checked my blood pressure, weight, body fat %, BMI, etc.
I was also sent to the hospital for blood tests to check for diabetes and cholesterol.
It was like an MOT

Just go and ask. I am not sure if they offer them for everyone or just people who are at risk, I think if you ask and you have a reason then they should check everything.

[Singing to the starlight]

You are meant to go to the doctors regularly...
yes, go for a checkup. Make a list of what you might want to bring up.

[Boobies]

Originally Posted by Sitting on the speaker

You are meant to go to the doctors regularly...
yes, go for a checkup. Make a list of what you might want to bring up.

Actually, doctors dislike people going with multiple problems, and it gets discouraged... and also, you're no supposed to go for regular check ups unless there's something wrong with you, or if you're at risk?

[Jen]

I have actually always gone for a regular physical/well-visit, each year, until last year. Now, I go every two years. It's good to get checked out yearly/bi-yearly!

[losing touch.]

Originally Posted by 3.1415926535897

Actually, doctors dislike people going with multiple problems, and it gets discouraged... and also, you're no supposed to go for regular check ups unless there's something wrong with you, or if you're at risk?

what?.. of course they don't. you go to the doctor with whatever and how ever many problems you have. unless i'm getting the wrong end of the stick here.. :/

anyhow.. yes you can just go for regular check up, in fact a lot of doctors encourage it. it's best to see any signs of possible problems as early as possible!

[bhredsox11]

Getting an annual physical/check up is highly recommended. They can check for all sorts of problems. If you are concerned about cholesterol and things like that, your doctor may order blood work. Depending on what you are getting done, you will have anywhere from 1-6 tubes of blood drawn. The phlebotomist drawing your blood should be very nice about it and explain it step by step, and if they don't, ask them to. Cholesterol is a gold top SST tube. They are run on a machine that alerts the lab technicians if the levels are off so they can alert your doctor. Hopefully your levels will be fine though. I hope this helps.

[Boobies]

Originally Posted by Elle.

what?.. of course they don't. you go to the doctor with whatever and how ever many problems you have. unless i'm getting the wrong end of the stick here.. :/

anyhow.. yes you can just go for regular check up, in fact a lot of doctors encourage it. it's best to see any signs of possible problems as early as possible!

We get told at our surgeries to not come with a list of problems =S

[Thurineth]

Most surgeries say NOT to go in with a list of problems since it takes more than the time slot. It often takes the full appointment slot for one problem and they don't want to get behind schedule. If more than one problem, you're advised to book a double appointment.

As much as I'd like to say it s a good idea, it could be a massive waste of time on the doctors part, and hospitals if we all got health checks. They're busy enough at the moment and I would only see this feasable is if a major influx of staff were employed. If you feel the need for one though, go for one.

[Elizabeth]

I go to my school's ghetto pyhsical twice a year for sports. Basically they make sure you aren't dying and it is all done by young people who seem like they could care less.

[Justin Bieber]

Weird, I get a check-up every year and then more visits if I get sick. I have to get cleared to go to school and such. But, even my mom still goes every year! It's good to get checked out!

[BabyIndia]

We get told not to go to our docs with more than one problem, and if we have more than one problem, we have to make a double appointment :/

[Pelios]

I only go to a doctor if I'm dying
I don't really go for check ups or anything from that manner I believe in alternative/ herbal medicine.
But my parents do go atleast once a year.

[CloserToTheClouds]

The double appointment thing makes sense, I mean, usually if you SAY you want a physical (just making sure you're healthy) they usually book longer appointments. As far as I know, you're suppposed to go every year but no one does once they get out of school. I have to go this summer before I go off to college, (shots, fun right?) but after that I probably won't if I don't have to. But I'm also in for being sick so often, so they tell me not to worry about it.

[Spontaneous Smile]

I don't usually go in for check ups. I usually have to go in to get a prescription refill or if something is wrong.

However, I do think you should be able to go into a doctor's office with multiple problems- for all you know those problems could be linked. Second of all they're doctors it's their job to make sure you're well.