Make an appointment, make sure you’re healthy, and ensure you keep it that way…
Regular health tests will pick up potentially life-threatening diseases like cancer and HIV, yet we always put them off. The CLEO team decided to tackle the health checks we’d been putting off for way too long, and report back on the hows and whys.
The Gynae
With much trepidation, fashion ed Carla Uys books her first appointment.
The tests:
The gynae and I spoke about my medical and sexual history – be prepared to answer honestly. She then gave me a sonar exam to check that everything was normal. She inserted the sonar and we could see everything on a screen. It was slightly uncomfortable, but she was very reassuring and explained exactly what she was doing with each step. I then had a pap smear, where she gently scraped the inside of the cervix for a cell sample, which was sent off to a laboratory to be tested for abnormalities. The whole exam was over in about 30 minutes.
Why when you’re young?
We’re more at risk of contracting STDs because we’re likely to change sexual partners (which is why it’s so important to practise safe sex). HPV (human papillomavirus) is directly linked to cervical cancer. Or, you may have a hormonal condition that you’re not aware of.
Frequency:
You should have your first pap smear as soon as you become sexually active, or when you’re 18, whichever comes first. Once you’ve had three consecutively clear tests, then you need only go every three years.
Check out:
Cansa.org.za or Everything-i-can.co.za
HIV Test
Health and beauty ed Pippa Alcock popped into the New Start Counselling and Testing Centre, where testing’s free.
The Test:
I filled out a detailed form before being counselled by a volunteer. We spoke about basic HIV/Aids facts, my sexual history, my reason for taking the test and what my reaction would be should the test return positive. After the pin-prick test, I waited for 15 minutes before being called back into the counselling room, where the counselor told me my status. We then spoke about how I’m going to keep my status negative, and keep my sex-life healthy.
Why when you’re young?
Being tested for HIV’s a non-negotiable. Even if you’re in a long-term relationship, there’s no guarantee that he’s been faithful.
Frequency:
Doctors recommend that you get tested once a year, depending on your lifestyle. If you’ve had unprotected sex or have injected drugs, get tested straight away. Remember that HIV has a window period of three months since contraction, where it won’t show, so have another test done later on to be double-sure.
Check out:
Newstart.co.za or you can visit Aids.org.za
Cholesterol Test
Designer Sarah Ann Corlett swings by a Dis-Chem for her first cholesterol check.
The test:
You need to fast for 12 hours before the test, so I booked mine early one morning. It was a simple pin-prick test, administered by the Sister, and my results were available in minutes. I eat pretty healthily, but don’t work out as much as I should.
if you have family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, or if you’re a smoker… you should have regular tests.
My cholesterol levels were surprisingly high for someone my age (28), so I’m paying more attention to my diet now, and trying to fit in a few long walks. I’ve made another appointment for six months’ time, so hopefully I’ll have reduced it by then.
Why when you’re young?
Cholesterol builds up in the heart and causes heart attacks later on in life. A perfectly healthy person can have high levels of cholesterol without knowing it, as there are no signs. If you have a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, or if you’re a smoker, overweight and inactive, you should have regular cholesterol tests. Yes, it’s more important that our parents watch their cholesterol, but rather manage it now, than suffer the consequences later.
Frequency:
Once a year, or every three to six months if your levels are high.
Check out:
Cholesterolclinic.co.za and Heartfoundation.co.za.
Skin Screening
Peaches-and-cream features ed Natalie Pool heads to the dermatologist to have her moles mapped.
The test:
My dermatologist used computerised mole mapping technology to map my moles. She took a digital photograph of my chest and back, which she’ll keep as a benchmark for future tests. Next, she individually examined each mole on my body. She noticed a mole that was darker than the others, so I’ve made another appointment for six months’ time to check if it’s ok.
Why when you’re young?
Everyone loves a tan, but sunburn can lead to skin cancer. SA’s got an extremely high rate of melanoma, or skin cancer, and early detection’s vital to save your life.
Frequency:
Anyone with more than 50 moles should have annual skin checks, especially if you’ve got a family history of skin cancer.
Check out:
Derma.co.za, Skindisorders.co.za and Cansa.org.za
The Optometrist
Designer and PC addict, Lebo Mautloa visits the optometrist for a check up.
The test:
Many tests make up an eye exam. The different tests check for glaucoma (an increase in pressure in the eye due to fluids), muscle movement, peripheral vision, and examination of the back of the eye ball. Some of the tests weren’t very comfortable, but we were done within 45 minutes. Turns out, I need glasses for night driving.
Why when you’re young?
Important eye diseases can easily be detected and treated through early testing. Other than that, an eye exam will test for short- or long-sightedness, and astigmatism, all of which can be easily managed with the right specs or lenses.
Frequency:
Optometrists suggest that you have your eyes tested every 12 to 18 months.
Check out:
Compiled by Pippa Alock. Photo by Gallo Images/Getty images.com Taken from the February2010 edition of Cleo
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