Doctor's Warning: Get a Check-Up Once a Year

Check-ups help detect potential health problems at an early stage, making treatment more effective and preventing disease progression. Dr. Birol Sarkut, Head of the Check-Up Department at Istanbul Okan University Hospital, discussed key points about the importance of undergoing check-ups.

What is a check-up?

A check-up is generally a comprehensive health screening. Even if you have no health problems, you should undergo check-ups at regular intervals appropriate to your age group. This is because the purpose of a check-up is to diagnose and prevent diseases at an early stage before symptoms appear. A check-up allows us to assess the general condition of the body and thereby reduce and prevent risk factors.

Check-up packages include diagnostic tests tailored to a person's age and gender. These packages include blood tests, X-ray screening, laboratory tests, and ultrasound imaging.

Is there a minimum age for check-ups? How frequently should we undergo check-ups?

There is no age limit for check-ups. After 24 months and until age 7, one check-up should be performed annually. Subsequently, until age 40, a check-up is recommended once every two years. Individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes or those who are overweight are advised to have annual check-ups regularly from age 30 onwards. From age 40 onwards, regular annual check-ups will help prevent health problems you may face in the future.

Even a symptom you consider insignificant can be a warning sign of a serious illness. As you know, if many diseases are detected early, the success of the treatment applied is considerably higher. For this reason, do not neglect yourself; ensure your health with an annual check-up.