Preventive Medicine
The most useful checks happen before there is anything to report. Blood pressure, sugar, cholesterol and kidney function all change silently for years, and finding them early is the difference between adjusting a lifestyle and treating a complication.
- Screening chosen by age and risk
- Results explained by a doctor, not posted
- Cardiac risk calculated properly
- Vaccination reviewed for adults
Stay
Outpatient
Duration
About 2 to 3 hours for a full check
Anaesthesia
Not applicable
About Preventive Medicine
A useful health check is targeted rather than exhaustive. Which tests are worth doing depends on age, family history, weight and existing conditions, and testing everything finds incidental abnormalities that cause anxiety without improving health. The consultation afterwards matters as much as the tests, because a number without context is not information.
- Targeted screening beats testing everything
- Incidental findings cause anxiety without improving health
- The consultation matters as much as the tests
- South Asians develop cardiac risk earlier and at lower weights
Before you read on
Everything here is general information about preventive medicine. Whether it suits you, and how it would be done in your case, is a decision for your doctor after examining you.
Your consultant's instructions always take precedence over anything written on this page.
When is it recommended?
Situations in which a doctor may suggest preventive medicine.
- Adults over 40 who have not had a check
- Family history of heart disease, diabetes or cancer
- Anyone with rising weight or reduced activity
- People with diabetes or blood pressure wanting a full review
- Pre-employment and insurance health checks
- Anyone wanting a baseline set of results
Procedure details
The usual sequence, from first consultation through to follow-up.
Risk assessment
A history covering family, lifestyle, occupation and existing conditions, which determines which tests are actually worth doing.
Examination and tests
Blood pressure, weight, waist measurement, blood and urine tests, ECG and other tests chosen for your risk profile.
Consultation
A doctor goes through every result with you, explaining what matters, what does not, and what needs following up.
Plan
You leave with a written summary, specific actions, and a date for when the checks should be repeated.
How to prepare
What to sort out before you come in.
- Come fasting, usually nine to twelve hours, with water allowed
- Take regular medication as normal unless told otherwise
- Bring previous reports so results can be compared over time
- Note family history of heart disease, diabetes, stroke and cancer with ages
- Allow two to three hours for a full check
Recovery
What to expect afterwards, and roughly when.
- Most results are available the same day and discussed at the consultation
- A slightly abnormal result is common and usually does not need action
- Specific actions are given in writing rather than as general advice
- Repeat intervals depend on age and findings, and are stated clearly
- Anything needing follow-up is arranged before you leave
Why choose Humayun for preventive health
A health check is only useful if somebody explains what the numbers mean for you.
- Tests chosen for your age and risk rather than a fixed panel for everyone
- Results explained by a doctor at the same visit rather than posted as a report
- Cardiac risk calculated properly, which matters because South Asians develop it earlier
- A written plan with specific actions and a stated interval for repeating
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