To start the new year healthy and without surprises, it is necessary to undergo a health check-up. A series of tests can prevent and identify diseases early, increasing the chances of accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and possible recovery.

Diseases that can be detected in examinations include: diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, respiratory diseases, irregular heartbeat, urinary tract infections, anemia and cancer.

“The screening checklist makes it possible to analyze health risk factors, in addition to providing guidance on the need to make changes in the lifestyle of the person being evaluated, which is considered the most effective way to prevent diseases, and is worth taking.” Use the holidays or the beginning of the new year to start this Habit,” explains cardiologist Humberto Freitas, from the São Camilo Hospital Network in São Paulo.

Most tests should be done once a year, or as directed by your doctor. It varies according to the patient's age, gender, family history, and comorbidities.

Some of the most common tests on the checklist are:

• Blood count
• Measuring blood pressure, checking weight, and calculating the body mass index (BMI);
• Urine and stool examination.
• Total cholesterol and fractions.
• Fasting blood glucose.
• Urea and creatinine.
• Uric acid.
• TGO and TGP (liver enzymes);
• electrocardiogram;
• Echocardiogram.
• Convenient testing.
• Blood pressure test.
• Mammograms and Pap smears (for women);
• Colonoscopy (for men and women over 50);
• PSA and prostate screening (for men over 50);
• Complete abdominal ultrasound (for smokers and people with a history of abdominal aortic aneurysm).

“An annual physical is an ongoing process that requires open communication with the doctor, and any health concerns or issues should be discussed during the consultation,” Freitas says.