What is a well man check up?
We all worry about our health every now and then. You may find a new mole, or a lump or feel generally under the weather. However, even if you’re feeling well it can still be useful to have an all over health check. In this blog, we tell you all you need to know about a well man check up.
What is a well man check up?
Tailored specifically for men, a well man check up is designed to give an overview of your current health status as well as outline potential health-related issues for the future. It’s a great baseline health check and addresses a whole host of common health concerns. The assessment is effective at finding early signs of major health issues.
Some services offer a full-body examination and one-to-one consultation with a GP, other, cheaper options, provide you with health results and data based on blood sample observations only. The medical is available for all ages, however some checks are better suited to older patients and may not be recommended to younger men.
What will the well man check up entail?
A well man check up can last anything from 25 minutes to two hours. Often, the length of your examination is relative to how much you spend. You will usually be seen by two professionals: a screening doctor and a nurse, a nutritionist, or a phlebotomist. This will include an assessment of your previous health records as well as your full family history. You’ll also be asked about your lifestyle, with questions mainly aimed at diet, exercise, alcohol consumption and smoking status.
The procedure
The check up will involve a range of checks and may vary in some way between clinics.
Although check ups may differ, most assessments will begin with a recording of your height, weight and body mass index (BMI). A full blood profile is also common. This will consist of blood tests examining your blood health, cholesterol, liver health, bone health and testosterone, as well as blood pressure measurements. Urine samples are commonly taken to test for diabetes and kidney infection. Rectal examinations, including prostate, may also be carried out, but this is usually recommended for patients aged 40 and above. An electrocardiogram (ECG) may be conducted to monitor your heart’s rhythm and electrical activity. Your lung function, vision and hearing are likely to be tested too.
At the end of the check up your doctor will run through the results and offer advice about what to do next should any health concerns arise. All information should be forwarded to your GP.
Cost
Well man health check ups are available all over the country. Some are available through the NHS, but many of these are only offered to certain age groups with specific health criteria, such as over the age of 40 and if you haven’t had a stroke or suffer from heart disease. Private clinics are more likely to offer check ups for all ages and health conditions. Prices can vary from anything around the £50 mark to £600.
You’ll never need an explicit reason to have a well man check up, but if you are over 40, are concerned about your health, or have a family history of serious health issues, then a well man check up may well be the right choice for you.
The Cromwell Hospital in London offers comprehensive well man check ups at varying prices. Your health assessment will begin with a consultation with a Cromwell GP who will ask some questions about your health and whether you are taking any medication. This will make sure you get the appropriate health assessment for you. Book an appointment with a Cromwell GP below.
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