Recommended health check-ups by age

As you age, your risk of developing certain diseases and chronic health conditions increases. This is a fate we, more or less, all share. However, by getting regular check-ups and screenings, it is possible to catch early warning signs and seek medical treatment right away. This is because, unlike time, we all have control of our actions and, therefore, have a higher chance of overcoming the odds and leading a happy life.

To keep yourself in tip-top shape, this article by Pacific Prime China explores the different types of check-ups and screenings for both men and women. Read on as we set you on the path to a healthy and happy life.

Recommended health check-ups and screening for 18 – 39-year-olds

Annual screenings for this age bracket are often forgotten or neglected altogether. Many during this stage of life are either focused on their studies, enjoying life as it goes, and working hard on their careers. But even so, at least once a year, it’s recommended for adults aged between 18 – 39 to check their:

1. Blood pressure

According to the WHO, around 270 million people have hypertension in China and only 13.8% of those diagnosed have the condition under control. Getting your blood pressure checked can reveal your risk of developing hypertension (high blood pressure) and other serious heart problems. If you stress or suffer from anxiety because of work or other life events, then these can accelerate your chances of developing hypertension. For your reference, a normal blood pressure level is less than 120/80 mmHg.

2. Weight and height

Knowing your height and keeping tabs on your weight can do wonders for your health, especially for those aged 20 years and older. Both are key metrics to use when calculating your Body Mass Index (BMI).

What is BMI?

BMI is a person’s weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters. The formula is BMI = kg/m2 where kg is a person’s weight in kilograms and m2 is their height in meters squared. For most adults, an ideal BMI is in the 18.5 to 24.9 range. If your BMI range is:

• below 18.5 then you’re in the underweight range.
• between 18.5 and 24.9 then you’re in the healthy weight range.
• between 25 and 29.9 then you’re in the overweight range.
• between 30 and 39.9 then you’re in the obese range.

How is BMI used?

The BMI is used as a screening tool, but it doesn’t reveal body fatness or the health of an individual. A healthcare provider would usually take the BMI and perform further assessments like evaluation of diets, physical activity, and family history.

3. Diabetes screening

Ever heard of a diabetes screening? If you have a BMI of above 25, then you have a higher risk of developing diabetes – especially type 2 diabetes. Thus, diabetes screening tests are a good preventative method for catching the early developments of diabetes. Diabetes screenings for the condition, include:

• C-peptide test
• Plasma glucose test
• GAD antibodies
• HbA1c test
• Oral glucose tolerance

If you have a family history that is linked to diabetes and aged between 18 – 39, then it would be wise to get screened regularly to monitor your risk of developing the condition.

4. Blood screening

A blood screening or blood test can be used to:

• assess your general state of health;
• determine if you have an underlying condition;
• check if you have an infection;
• understand how well each organ, such as the kidneys and liver, are functioning; and
• screen genetic conditions that could develop, such as cancer or diabetes

A sample is normally taken and sent to a laboratory, where it is examined under a microscope or tested with chemicals, depending on the health condition being checked for. Your healthcare provider can issue recommendations based on your blood test and advise you better on how to maintain good health for the age you are at.

5. Depression screening

It’s likely that to some degree you have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and your mental health has suffered. To ensure you are not at risk of developing depression or any other mental health issues, you are encouraged to take a mental health test. Mental health screenings can now be done online or through your device via telehealth. It’s possible that your employer may offer mental health counseling or a program for contacting a mental health professional. If not, then you can contact your local medical practitioner to refer you to a qualified person or group that can assist you with your depression and mental health screening.

Additional screenings for women between the age of 18 – 39

These recommendations are specific to women. Speak to your healthcare provider for:

• a cervical cancer screening by performing a Pap smear test.
• the HPV vaccine, if not already received as an adolescent.
• a breast exam, which can be performed at home on a monthly basis or by visiting the healthcare provider.
• sexually transmitted infections including HIV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, or other infections.

Additional screening for men between the age of 18 – 39

These recommendations are specific to men. It is best to screen yourself for:

• sexually transmitted infections including HIV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, or other infections.

• testicular cancer by self-examining your scrotum or visiting your healthcare provider for an examination.

Recommended health check-ups and screenings for 40 – 64-year-olds

Between the ages of 40 and 64, your body will certainly require greater attention. As you already know, aging certainly increases your risk of developing age-related diseases and also puts you at a high risk of having an accident. Of course, with continued health checks and screenings, you’ll be able to navigate the risks and ensure you remain as healthy as possible. Here are some essential screenings to include for 40 – 64-year-olds:

1. Osteoporosis screening

“The prevalence of osteoporosis in China has increased over the past 12 years, affecting more than one-third of people aged 50 years and older.” – BMC Public Health

After years of extensive work, movement, and also unhealthy lifestyle factors, our bones tend to weaken. Unhealthy factors include excessive smoking and extensive alcohol use, as well as other factors like poor nutrition and diet.

What is osteoporosis?

According to the national institute of aging, osteoporosis is a disease that weakens bones to the point where they easily break – most often, the bones of the hip, backbone (spine/vertebrae), and wrists. Similar to hypertension, which is known as a “silent disease”, osteoporosis is unnoticeable until a bone breaks after losing strength and density throughout the years.

Getting screened for osteoporosis

Adults between the ages of 40 and 64 are encouraged to go for an osteoporosis screening. Healthcare providers tend to measure the bone density in the hip and spine for several reasons.

1. Firstly, people with osteoporosis have a greater chance of fracturing these bones.
2. Secondly, broken bones in the hip and spine can cause more serious problems further down the line, including longer recovery time, higher risk of a fall, chronic pain, and even long-term disability.
3. Thirdly, bone density in the hip and spine can also predict the likelihood of future breaks and fractures in other bones.

Bone density and screening tests for osteoporosis

Healthcare providers will typically (if the machine is available) use a central DXA (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) machine to diagnose osteoporosis by measuring bone density. However, peripheral tests are applied to measure bone density in the lower arm, wrist, finger, or heel. The types of peripheral tests are:

• pDXA (peripheral dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry)
• QUS (quantitative ultrasound)
• pQCT (peripheral quantitative computed tomography)

2. Heart check-ups and screening for cardiovascular diseases

Getting a heart check-up every year can help detect issues with your heart health especially between the ages of 40 and 64. A study by the Lancet on cardiovascular risk factors in China found that an estimated 4 million deaths are due to cardiovascular diseases each year in China. This number is incredibly high, which is why getting screened early on and keeping to a regimen of healthy eating and moderate exercise every day can help prevent heart-related deaths.

Heart screening and examinations

Health providers may first measure your:

• level of cholesterol in the blood, which is made up of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL).
• blood glucose level, which is the amount of sugar present in the blood.
• amount of C-reactive protein in the blood using a test called high-sensitivity c-reactive protein (hs-crp) assay.
• blood pressure levels, which could indicate hypertension if your blood pressure is higher than normal at rest.

Additional health screening tests may involve devices and machines to observe further the patterns of your heart’s health. These include:

• Electrocardiography (ECG or EKG)
• Exercise cardiac stress test
• Cardiac CT for calcium scoring
• Coronary CT angiography (CTA)
• Myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI)
• Coronary catheter angiography

Speak to your healthcare provider for a full recommendation of medical tests for heart conditions you may be concerned about.

Additional screenings for women between the age of 40 – 64

These recommendations are specific to women. Arrange an appointment with your healthcare provider for:

• a blood test to examine the properties of your blood including cholesterol, hormones, etc.
• a mammogram screening for breast cancer.
• a pelvic exam to detect signs of fractures and weakened bones.

Additional screening for men between the age of 40 – 64

• Prostate cancer is the most common cancer for men and typically affects men over 50. According to data from China’s National Cancer Registration Institute in 2019, prostate cancer has become the most common tumor in male urinary malignancies since 2008.

With that said, it is important for men in this age bracket to put prostate screening top of mind. Get screened early by visiting your healthcare provider and request a scan or blood test, and follow recommendations.

Recommended health check-ups and screening for men and women 65 years and older

As you hit 65, you will feel the need to slow down or even take care of your health more. Health screenings will be more frequent and check-ups will become the norm. For those over 65 years of age, it’s important to watch what you eat, especially foods high in sugar and cholesterol.

Visiting your local healthcare provider will ensure you can get appropriate blood tests and be screened for risks such as cancer, heart disease, and more. You may also develop mobility issues and require the support of a physiotherapist and/or occupational therapist to help teach you mobility exercises and maintain activities, respectively.

Disclaimer: The medical information provided in this article is for guidance purposes only. For any health screenings or check-ups, you should contact a qualified medical professional at your nearest health facility.

Planning to live your whole life in China and retire happily?

If you are an expat planning to embrace China as your new home and inevitably make it your place of retirement, then knowing the healthcare system will greatly benefit you.

For further reading: An overview of China’s healthcare system and reforms

Health check-ups and screenings are available in abundance owing to the country’s improving public healthcare services and world-class private healthcare institutions. In fact, China’s healthcare system is undergoing a massive transformation in 2021. Healthcare options in the capital Beijing are comparable to Western healthcare stands, with many accepting medical health insurance policies for direct billing. So if you have an expat health insurance plan that includes direct billing, then you are set for a smooth healthcare experience at the many in-network private hospitals.

Getting ready for retirement in China

Need medical insurance for when you retire? Pacific Prime China’s expert advisors can go through your options and provide a range of elderly health insurance plans in China to choose from. Do you live in Beijing or Shanghai? If so, visit our pages below:

• Shanghai medical insurance

• Beijing medical insurance 

For more information and a chat with our experienced advisors, you can contact us today and request a free medical insurance quote.

Disclaimer: Pacific Prime China solely represents, operates, and manages locally regulated insurance products and services in the territory of PR China. Any references to Pacific Prime Global Company or Group, the international services, insurance products, or otherwise stated written or verbally, is for introduction purposes about our overseas network only as each entity is fully independent.