A routine medical check-up should be a regular feature of one’s life in this day and age. Once too often, people have ended up with a medical condition in the latter years of their lives which could have been picked up and managed successfully early on. Younger people usually consider themselves to be “too healthy” at times, but most of the changes that lead to chronic health problems actually start to show themselves from around the age of thirty if not earlier. Visiting your doctor once or twice a year is not a bad idea at all for apparently healthy individuals.

History Taking

Your personal physician would probably start by asking if there are any symptoms that you have been experiencing lately. He/she might follow up by asking you specific questions to try and exclude certain conditions. This is the right time to bring out all the health problems that you have been experiencing since your previous visit. It is important not to withhold any information as this may hamper the diagnostic process. All information provided is strictly confidential.

Physical Examination

The doctor may proceed to do a physical examination. He/she may concentrate on certain areas depending on the history gathered above. The physical usually starts with a general examination, followed by an examination of the individual systems (Central Nervous System, Cardiovascular and Respiratory systems, Gastrointestinal, Genitourinary and Musculoskeletal systems).

Investigations

Based on the history taken and the physical findings, the doctor can now order some investigations. This usually includes the following:

A Full Blood Count and Sickling Test

This will detect abnormal haemoglobin (Hb) levels and abnormal blood cell numbers. Hb is a substance in red blood cells which combines with and carries oxygen around the body, and gives blood its red colour. Hb levels are low in anaemic states. White blood cell numbers are increased in infections and extremely raised in some blood borne cancers such as leukaemia, a serious disease in which the body produces too many white blood cells. A sickling test is necessary to establish one’s status as Sickle cell disease and its carrier status are not uncommon in The Gambia.

Kidney Function Tests

Blood Urea and Creatinine levels reflect kidney function. The kidneys excrete these two substances among others. If the kidneys are not functioning well then the Urea and Creatinine levels become raised.

Random Blood Sugar (RBS) and Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS)

Blood sugar levels are the mainstay of diagnosis with respect to diabetes. An extremely high RBS can be diagnostic, but the FBS is a more accurate diagnostic test. The FBS sample is usually taken after an overnight fast.

Blood Lipid (Fat) Profile

High blood lipid levels of certain fats such as Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL) and Very Low Density Lipoproteins (VLDL) are risk factors for cardiovascular diseases – diseases that are related to the heart and blood vessels.

Chest X-Ray

Chest x-rays can pick up abnormalities in the lung fields and some heart-related abnormalities.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

An ECG is recommended for people above the age of 40 years. It detects stress patterns in the heart muscles and can give a general view of the state of one’s heart. Your doctor will decide which of the above investigations you require, and may order additional tests as he sees fit.

BY: LAMIN JAHATEH