Dr Riccardo Di Cuffa

As a GP it is increasingly obvious that access to a doctor and health services can be a real struggle. Healthcare systems around the world are under tremendous strain in developed countries. This is due to a combination of factors such as more successful treatments, financial constraints and an ageing population.

Many patients will often say to me ‘why do I need a medical?’ or ‘I don’t want to know doc!’  This is sad as medicals can save your life. And I’m not exaggerating when I say that. We often pick up illnesses like diabetes or early cancers in individuals who have ZERO symptoms.

A report by McKinsey showed that those who underwent regular health checks from their 30’s could have up to 15 more healthy years of life. That is a huge proportion of your life spent in good health.

GPs often get berated by the media, but they are vital to health services. As a GP, your job is to take a look at all aspects of your patient’s health and not just one area. Specialists are highly skilled in one area of your health, but they do not have the skills or knowledge to manage your health holistically. The management of your overall health becomes fragmented and uncoordinated. GPs are experts at managing specialists and coordinating your health journey.

So, how can medicals help you?

Most patients will only see their doctor with acute problems and often multiple issues. Medicals not only help to bring all the issues together at the same time but can help GPs develop a care plan.

As an example, an individual may attend with low energy and tiredness for several months, low mood and anxiety and lots of stress. Normally a GP would take a history and examine a patient, they may suggest some blood tests and this process can takes days if not weeks to get an answer. Medications for sleep and anxiety may be given and some counselling. All treatments are usually symptom control but rarely look into the root cause of the issues.

A medical would take all the health issues of that patient and provide a template for the doctor who would then get an overall picture of your health – a full examination, lifestyle, medications, bloods and other tests. After assessing all the results, the doctor discovers that the underlying issue was that the patient was regularly taking an antacid which was affecting their vitamin B levels, causing their tiredness. Adjusting this medication and boosting vitamin B will help with tiredness and energy levels. The anxiety is a result of long-standing work life balance. Support in addressing this is more successful than medications.

Having medicals, which refers to regular medical check-ups and health screenings, is important for several reasons:

1. Early Detection of Diseases:
   • Prevention: Regular check-ups can help detect diseases in their early stages when they are often more treatable.
   • Chronic Conditions: Early detection of chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and cancer can lead to better management and outcomes.
2. Health Monitoring:
   • Vital Signs: Monitoring vital signs such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar can help manage and prevent health issues.
   • Tracking Changes: Regular medicals allow for tracking changes in health over time, providing a comprehensive view of an individual’s health status.
3. Personalised Health Advice:
   • Lifestyle Recommendations: Based on medical check-ups, doctors can give personalised advice on diet, exercise, and lifestyle to promote better health and healthy aging.
   • Risk Factors: Identifying risk factors for certain diseases allows individuals to take proactive measures to help stop problems in their tracks.
4. Vaccinations and Preventive Measures:
   • Immunisations: Keeping up with vaccinations is crucial for preventing infectious diseases.
   • Screening Tests: Regular screenings, such as mammograms, colonoscopies, and Pap smears, are important for early detection and prevention.
5. Mental Health:
   • Psychological Well-being: Medicals can include assessments of mental health, helping to address issues like stress, anxiety, and depression.
   • Support and Resources: Access to mental health resources and support systems can be facilitated through regular medical visits.
6. Quality of Life:
   • Pain Management: Regular check-ups can help in the management of chronic pain and other debilitating conditions.
   • General Well-being: Overall health monitoring contributes to improved quality of life and longevity.
7. Building a Relationship with Healthcare Providers:
   • Trust and Communication: Regular visits foster a trusting relationship with healthcare providers, improving communication and personalised care.
   • Continuity of Care: Consistent medical history allows for more accurate diagnoses and better-informed treatment plans.

Overall, regular medicals are a proactive approach to maintaining health, preventing diseases, and ensuring timely intervention when health issues arise.

Building a relationship with a doctor is the most important thing you can do and investing in your health is the other.

Be proactive with your health, successful outcomes are much more likely the earlier you deal with illness.