6 important health checks

Sometimes your body is a bit like your car. As long as it runs you don't give it much attention - until it breaks down. But while your car gets a Warrant of Fitness every six months, most of us don't bother getting our health checked regularly and instead wait until our body refuses to run.
Rotorua-based GP Dr Harry Pert, president of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners, says your passport to good health is a strong relationship with your
doctor. Taking into account your family history and lifestyle, your GP will be able to formulate
a personalised check-up schedule for you. As a general guideline, here's a list of six essential checks to help you have your healthiest year yet and avoid a major mechanical failure.
1. Skin

It's the most common cancer in New Zealand, yet many of us are confused about how to detect it. Skin cancer can take decades after sun exposure to develop, which is why it's as crucial to be vigilant with your body as it is to protect it against further UV damage. Make time to survey your body and become familiar with the appearance of your moles and freckles. From then on, regularly examine yourself for any changes in shape (especially asymmetry), size, colour (particularly uneven tone) and thickness
of your moles and freckles, and see your GP if you notice any differences.
If any bleed, itch or swell, seek medical assistance. Don't only check areas exposed to the sun - skin cancers can appear on the soles of your feet, your genitals, under your nails and on your scalp.
2. HEART
Every 90 minutes a New Zealander dies from heart disease. To keep yourself out of the high-risk zone, get your GP to check your blood pressure and cholesterol - especially if you are over the age of 45. Input those results on the Heart Foundation's website: www.knowyournumbers.co.nz to forecast your heart attack risk. Your GP will determine how often you should have blood pressure and cholesterol tests repeated, based on your heart disease risk profile and how you can decrease that risk.
To keep your heart healthy, quit smoking, keep your weight in the healthy body mass index (BMI) range (to calculate your BMI, visit www.pickthetick.org.nz/bmi), exercise regularly and eat a nutritious diet  low in salt.
3. SEXUAL
"Many people think sexual health checks are primarily for people who have sex with multiple partners," says Family Planning chief executive Jackie Edmond. "While those people may be at greater risk of a sexually transmitted infection (STI), having unprotected sex with just one person could put you at risk." Symptoms of an STI include unusual odour, soreness and itchiness, however, many have no symptoms so you might not be aware you have one. If you have had unprotected intercourse  ask your GP
or Family Planning for an STI check two to three weeks afterwards. "If people have been in a situation which puts them at risk of an STI, are starting a new relationship or are just concerned that something's not quite right, then getting it checked out is the best thing to do," Edmond says.

4. EYES
Even if you don't need glasses, you still need regular eye checks. Sight problems go hand in hand with ageing and tend to occur so slowly that you won't notice them - especially in the case of glaucoma. The NZ Association of Optometrists recommends all adults have an eye examination every second year, and more frequently after the age of 65. Of course, if you wear contact lenses you'll need more regular optometrist appointments.
5. CANCER
Thanks to highly visible advertising campaigns, most Kiwi women are well versed in breast and cervical screening frequency - mammograms every two years between the ages of 40 and 70, and smears every two years between 20 and 70. For men, the onus is on you to be vigilant against prostate cancer. You must see your doctor if you experience any issues with urination - such problems are typical of ageing but can indicate something more sinister. You should also regularly check your testicles and
see your doctor if you notice any lumps or change.
6. DENTAL
We know - visiting the dentist can lead to pain, especially in the pocket. But like so many aspects of healthy living, avoidance merely increases the degree of pain later.
It's recommended that you have a dental check-up every six months so your dentist  can identify potential problems, including decay, gum disease and weakening fillings (especially white fillings, which tend to have a shorter life).

Give it up
Smoking
The best thing you can do for yourself this year - and ever - is to quit smoking; a habit which harms every organ in your body and increases your likelihood of premature death. So quit ... because you're worth it.
Tanning
Kiwis' obsession with bronzed bodies is killing us. Apply sunscreen every day as part of your morning routine, again 20 minutes before you step into the sun, and every two hours you remain outdoors. Think of sunscreen as a back-up plan; a hat, sunglasses and long clothing being your first line of defence. If you can't face pale skin, get a fake tan.
Stressing
Besides the connection with heart disease, stress also makes you susceptible to everyday illnesses. Researchers from Sydney's Garvan Institute found that the hormone neuropeptide Y, which is released in times of stress, prevents the immune system from functioning effectively.
Excessive alcohol
Sorry to be a party pooper, but the Cancer Society of New Zealand says the more alcohol you drink, the greater your risk of developing cancer. It recommends, on average, no more than two standard drinks* a day for men, and one for women.
(*One standard drink = 10g alcohol: 285ml beer, 100ml wine, 30ml spirits.)