Regular health checkups are vital for detecting any hidden health problems lurking in your body. Since many medical conditions don’t manifest symptoms initially, it can be challenging to know if you’re already affected.
Take prostate cancer, for instance. This life-threatening ailment typically presents no signs or symptoms. What’s more, many cancer patients don’t experience any indicators at all. This represents a significant health challenge that countless individuals might face.
**Why is it crucial to discuss underlying health conditions with your doctor?**
For some, embracing the “health is wealth” philosophy means focusing solely on diet and physical exercise. However, other factors can contribute to the development of diseases. These factors include genetic inheritance and lifestyle choices.
Genetic inheritance plays a crucial role in determining your susceptibility to certain illnesses your relatives might have. Conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, arthritis, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, and obesity can be passed down through families.
For instance, high blood pressure or hypertension is particularly dangerous, especially if it runs in your family. If a family has a history of hypertension, other members are at risk. Regular checkups and frequent visits to healthcare professionals are essential for early detection and management.
**The Importance of Knowing Your Health Status Today**
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of identifying underlying health conditions early. We know that individuals with pre-existing health issues are more vulnerable to the coronavirus. Studies reveal that those aware of their health risks took precautions, participated in early vaccination, and fared better during the pandemic. Others faced more significant struggles.
Understanding underlying health conditions is also crucial for managing chronic illnesses like diabetes and HIV. This knowledge helps doctors prescribe medications that won’t adversely interact with your current treatments. For example, metformin (used for diabetes) can interact with amlodipine (Norvasc), a common blood pressure medication. Additionally, some oral contraceptives might interact with metformin. Being aware of your underlying health conditions allows your doctor to prescribe the most appropriate medications for you.
**Takeaway**
Discussing your underlying health conditions with your healthcare professional helps you and your doctor implement effective measures to avoid adverse situations.