Why Preventative Care Matters

Sloane Square medical has been offering health screening medicals for over a decade.

Health screening medicals are a time to look at a person’s lifestyle and ways in which small changes can improve a person’s overall health without the need for medications.

It is also a time to consider which investigations may be required and which prescription medications may be needed to improve a person’s quality of life and to protected them from a deterioration in their health.

Medicine is no longer just about picking up illnesses once they have happened. It is about prevention. A lot of people delay coming to the doctor until they are unwell. Regular medical examinations help detect any issues early when they are easier to treat.

Health screening examinations are specific to each patient’s needs. The investigations requested are age dependent and this allows targeted screening. The medical screenings and tests requested are evidence based.

Time is taken to discuss all results directly with each patient when any questions can be answered.

Male Health:

The two big causes of early death are still heart disease and lung cancer. These account on their own for the majority of early male deaths in the UK.

If a patient can stop smoking and control their blood pressure and cholesterol these will have the biggest impact on improving their health.

At each medical there is full physical examination and routine screening bloods including checking for anaemia, diabetes, liver and kidney functions, bone metabolism and thyroid function. The skin is also checked for any skin cancers. Men also have a prostate check.

An ECG checks the heart is in a normal rhythm.

We also screen for more general illnesses with specific target screening for bowel cancer from around the age of 50 and an aortic aneurysm screen at the age of 64.

An osteoporosis screen which looks for thinning of the bones may be recommended for some men as they get older.

Female Health:

Women are different as breast cancer and cervical cancer are common. Cervical cancer is most common in women in their 30’s and screening starts from the age 25, sometimes younger.

Breast cancer is more common as women get older. Screening starts for breast cancer from age 40 and earlier if there is a family history or symptoms.

At each screening there is full physical examination and routine screening bloods including checking for anaemia, diabetes, liver and kidney functions, bone metabolism and thyroid function. The skin is checked for any skin cancers. Women also have a cardiovascular assessment included as well as a screen for more general illnesses.

Bowel cancer screening is recommended from around age 50.

The menopause is also a major issue for women. Symptoms can start from the early 40’s and include insomnia, inability to think and process normally, exhaustion, as well as the more recognised hot flushes and loss of periods. A menopause profile can also be added.

An ECGs checks the heart is in a normal rhythm.

Osteoporosis which is thinning of the bones is also screen for over the age 50.

Genetic Testing:

Genetic testing is also becoming a part of the services we are able to offer. We can look into how you metabolise certain food groups, how you absorb and metabolise vitamins and even give advice on which type of exercise are likely to be most beneficial.

These tests are able to give advice on how you metabolise prescription medications allowing for more accurate prescribing.

During the medical additional tests or scans can be added after discussion or after a recommendation based on findings at the examination.  

Each medical is specific to each patient and family history. Lifestyles are also taken into consideration in providing the best possible care from Sloane Square Medical. 

Preventative health screenings continue to be an important tool in maintaining good health. If you would like to find out more about the health screenings on offer at Sloane Square Medical click on our health screenings page to view our packages and to book your appointment.

Thank you for your time reading our blog,

 Dr Victoria Owen