Why Regular Health Check-Ups Are Important

November 16, 2023

Precede Foundation

Imagine driving a car without ever getting it serviced or checked for potential issues. Over time, the engine may wear out and problems may arise that could have been prevented with regular maintenance. The same concept applies to our bodies. Regular health check-ups are the equivalent of routine maintenance for our well-being. They play an important role in making sure that any potential health issues are detected early, allowing for timely interventions and a healthier, happier life.

The Benefits of Regular Health Check-Ups

Early Disease Detection

One of the most significant advantages of regular health check-ups is the early detection of diseases. Many serious health conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension and even cancer, often develop without noticeable symptoms in their early stages. When you notice symptoms, the disease might already be advanced. Regular health check-ups, including screenings and blood tests, can identify these conditions in their infancy when they are often more treatable and manageable.

For example, routine blood pressure checks can catch hypertension or high blood pressure before it leads to severe cardiovascular problems. Early detection and intervention can prevent heart attacks, strokes and other complications associated with uncontrolled hypertension.

Preventative Care

Preventative care is another critical aspect of health check-ups. During these visits, doctors can give advice on staying healthy – including diet, exercise and stress management. They can also administer vaccinations and screenings to protect against various illnesses. Vaccinations are a great way to prevent illness, it is a prime example of preventive care. Regular check-ups ensure that you are up-to-date with recommended vaccinations, protecting you from potentially life-threatening diseases like influenza, hepatitis and measles.

Personalized Health Management

Each person is unique, with different genetic backgrounds, lifestyles and risk factors for various health conditions. Regular health check-ups allow healthcare providers to customize health plans to meet individual needs. For example, if you have a family history of diabetes, your healthcare provider may recommend more frequent screenings and lifestyle modifications to reduce your risk.

Moreover, risk assessment is an essential part of personalized health management. During check-ups, healthcare professionals assess your overall health, considering factors such as age, gender, family history and lifestyle. This assessment helps in identifying areas where you may be at higher risk and need more focused attention.

Regular Health Check-Ups and How Often to Get Them

To get the benefits of regular health check-ups, it’s important to know which tests you need and how often to do them. Here are some typical examinations and how often doctors usually recommend them:

General Physical Examination

This is a comprehensive physical examination that is typically recommended annually. Even if you feel healthy. This examination involves checking your vital signs (Blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate), evaluating your overall health and discussing any concerns or symptoms you may have.

Blood Pressure Monitoring

Keeping an eye on your blood pressure is really important especially if you have risk factors for hypertension. Doctors usually recommend checking it once a year, but if you already have high blood pressure or other heart problems, you might need to check it more often.

Cholesterol Level Checks

Cholesterol levels are important indicators of heart health. Adults should have their cholesterol levels checked every 4 to 6 years and if you have specific risk factors, such as a family history of heart disease or obesity, more frequent checks may be necessary.

Diabetes Screening

Diabetes is becoming a big health issue around the world. It is recommended to get tested every 3 years especially if you’re 45 or older. You may also need tests if you are overweight or not participating in regular physical activity.

Cancer Screenings

Cancer screenings such as mammograms, colonoscopies, and Pap smears, are vital for early cancer detection. The recommended screenings for these vary by age, gender and individual risk factors. Discuss your specific needs with your healthcare provider, but be aware of the potential life-saving benefits of early cancer detection.

Dental and Eye Exams

Don’t forget about the health of your eyes and mouth. Regular dental check-ups every 6 months can help prevent dental problems like cavities and gum disease. Eye exams should be done as your optometrist recommends to ensure proper vision and eye health.

Regular health check-ups are an important part of preventive healthcare, offering early disease detection, preventative care and personalized health management. By adopting these strategies to make check-ups a habit, individuals can prioritize their well-being and enjoy healthier lives. In particular, regular check-ups play a crucial role in early detection, not only for common conditions but also for more specific health concerns like pancreatic cancer diagnosis.

Pancreatic Cancer Awareness

Pancreatic cancer is often challenging to diagnose in its early stages, making pancreatic cancer early detection blood test and regular check-ups even more essential. Pancreatic cancer screening can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment. It often presents with few early symptoms and by the time symptoms become noticeable, the cancer may have already advanced. Regular check-ups can identify potential health issues early on, allowing for timely intervention and improved treatment outcomes.

Pancreatic cancer screening is usually reserved for individuals with a higher risk due to factors such as a family history of pancreatic cancer or certain genetic syndromes. In these high-risk individuals, pancreatic cancer screening may involve imaging tests such as MRI or endoscopic ultrasound.

Find a healthcare provider near you if you don’t already have one. Review your health insurance coverage and explore options for low-cost or free check-ups if needed. Be especially vigilant about specific screenings and tests for conditions like pancreatic cancer diagnosis, as early detection can be life-saving. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine the appropriate screenings based on your individual risk factors and medical history.

Don’t wait until you’re experiencing pancreatic cancer symptoms or facing a health crisis. Start scheduling your regular health check-ups today and take control of your health journey. Your future self will thank you for it.

Donate To Pancreatic Cancer Research

Early detection is crucial for overcoming pancreatic cancer, enabling life-saving surgeries and significantly improving survival rates. TrovaNow actively funds research focused on early detection, screening and prevention, contributing to the fight against the world’s deadliest cancer

Our goal is to raise $250,000 to help fund the PRECEDE Consortium. Visit www.trovanow.com to learn how you can get involved and donate today. Together, we can make a difference.

Knowing When To Ask For Help

There’s strength in recognizing when you need additional support. If you’re feeling consistently overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed, it may be time to speak with a healthcare professional. Warning signs can include ongoing sleep trouble, loss of appetite, or emotional numbness.

Mental health care is an important part of cancer recovery. There are therapists, social workers, and cancer-specific counselors trained to support your unique needs. Don’t hesitate to seek them out.

Your medical team can help adjust medications or recommend physical therapy if your symptoms are impacting your daily life. Being honest about your struggles allows your care providers to offer better, more personalized support.

The path to recovery from pancreatic cancer is rarely straightforward. It’s a mix of triumphs and setbacks, strength and vulnerability. But through each high and low, healing is happening. Be gentle with yourself. Allow space for rest, reflection, and growth.

You don’t have to go through this journey alone. With the right support, emotional, physical, and practical, you can move forward, one step at a time. And remember, every day you show up for yourself is a victory.

At TrovaNOW, we’re focused on finding a cure for pancreatic cancer. Every test and discovery brings us closer to better treatments and saving lives. Join us and learn more at TrovaNOW.

PRECEDE Foundation Inaugural Gala

Join us for a night at the Tribeca Rooftop 360 on October 28th at 3:00pm PDT to honor the following awards:

Nobility in Science Award

Raymond C. Wadlow, MD

Catalyst for Change Award

Ambry Genetics Corporation

Legacy Awards

Jeffrey Johnson, Esq.

Jonathan Morris, Esq.

PRECEDE Leadership and Compassionate Care Award

Jessica Everett, MS, CGC

Co-Chairs

Scott Berger | Michael Gershenson | Tracy Chen

Honorary Chairs

Diane Simeone, MD | Jamie Brickell

Get tickets here.

A Long and Steadfast Battle Against a Terrible Cancer

Raymond Wadlow lost his mom, Emily Couric, to pancreatic cancer in 2001. Today he’s an oncologist pushing for early detection.

Why Building Muscle Matters (Strength Training After Cancer Treatment)

Cancer treatment is an incredibly challenging journey, often leaving survivors physically and emotionally drained. While survival is the primary goal, the road to recovery requires more than just healing from the illness itself, it requires rebuilding strength and endurance. One of the most effective ways to regain strength and improve quality of life after treatment is through strength training.

In this blog, we’ll explore why building muscle matters after cancer treatment, how strength training supports recovery, and why it’s important to include physical activity in a full recovery plan.

The Importance of Muscle Health in Cancer Recovery

During cancer treatment, particularly chemotherapy and radiation, the body goes through a variety of changes, including significant muscle loss. This can lead to fatigue, weakness, and a decrease in overall functional capacity. Survivors may also experience joint pain, decreased bone density, and difficulty with mobility. When muscles are weakened, it becomes more difficult to perform everyday tasks, affecting the ability to return to normal life.

Muscle health is crucial for maintaining daily functioning, increasing stamina, and improving the body’s ability to heal. Building muscle after cancer treatment can help counteract the physical decline caused by treatments, reduce fatigue, and increase energy levels. Strong muscles are also important for stability, balance, and preventing falls or injuries, which can be especially crucial as the body regains strength.

Benefits of Strength Training After Cancer Treatment

Physical Benefits

Strength training is an excellent way to rebuild muscle mass lost during cancer treatment. By focusing on resistance exercises that challenge the muscles, you can restore strength and regain physical independence. Whether through bodyweight exercises, free weights, or resistance bands, strength training helps increase muscle mass, boost stamina, and promote flexibility.

It also improves bone density, which is particularly important for cancer survivors who may be at risk of osteoporosis due to treatments like chemotherapy and hormone therapy. As you build muscle, you reduce the risk of bone fractures and improve posture and stability.

Mental and Emotional Benefits

Physical activity, especially strength training, has significant mental health benefits. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters that help reduce anxiety and depression. Cancer survivors often experience feelings of helplessness and loss of control. Strength training helps you regain control over your body, build confidence, and feel accomplished.

Strength training offers mental benefits like improved mood and focus. Research shows that regular exercise can also help manage the cognitive effects of cancer treatment, such as “chemo brain,” which can cause memory issues, difficulty concentrating, and brain fog. Strength training can improve cognitive function, helping survivors feel more mentally sharp and focused.

Long-Term Health Benefits

Strength training can help prevent long-term complications of cancer treatment. Conditions such as sarcopenia (muscle wasting) and metabolic syndrome, which involves high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol levels, are common among cancer survivors. Building muscle through strength training can help manage these conditions and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Muscle health supports overall immune function and metabolism. Strong muscles help regulate blood sugar levels, enhance circulation, and improve the body’s ability to absorb nutrients, critical for recovery and long-term health.

The Science Behind Strength Training for Cancer Survivors

Strength training works by creating small tears in muscle fibers, which, when repaired, become stronger over time. After cancer treatment, the body may be in a weakened state, but through consistent resistance training, it begins to rebuild muscle tissue. This process is essential for improving muscle mass and overall body strength.

Strength training promotes hormone regulation, which can be disrupted by cancer treatments. Chemotherapy and hormone therapy often interfere with estrogen and testosterone levels. Regular strength training helps balance these hormones, which can improve mood, energy levels, and general well-being.

Studies have shown that strength training can help cancer survivors reduce fatigue, improve cardiovascular health, and maintain a healthy weight. This holistic approach is vital to fully recovering from the effects of cancer treatment and returning to a normal, active lifestyle.

Key Considerations When Starting Strength Training Post-Treatment

Starting strength training after cancer treatment should be approached with care. The body may be more sensitive and vulnerable in the recovery phase, so it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider or physical therapist before beginning an exercise program.

Start Slow and Progress Gradually: Don’t jump into intense workouts right away. Begin with low-impact exercises that focus on mobility, flexibility, and core strength. Gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts as your body adapts. Listen to your body, rest when needed, and avoid pushing too hard.
Focus on Recovery and Balance: Incorporating rest days into your routine is just as important as training days. Overtraining can lead to injury or burnout, so make sure you balance strength training with adequate recovery. This includes prioritizing sleep, nutrition, and hydration as part of your overall fitness plan.
Adapt Exercises to Your Body’s Needs: Cancer treatment can result in lingering side effects like joint pain, fatigue, and reduced range of motion. Modify exercises to accommodate these challenges. Resistance bands and light weights can be excellent starting points for those who need to ease into strength training.

Effective Strength Training Exercises for Cancer Survivors

Cancer survivors can begin their strength training journey with simple, low-impact exercises that target the major muscle groups. Here are some effective exercises to get started:

Bodyweight Squats: Squats are a great full-body exercise that targets the legs, glutes, and core. Start by performing shallow squats and gradually increase the depth as you build strength.
Wall Push-ups: Wall push-ups are an excellent way to build upper body strength without straining the shoulders or wrists. As you gain strength, progress to standard push-ups or modified knee push-ups.
Resistance Band Exercises: Resistance bands are perfect for adding gentle resistance to exercises like bicep curls, shoulder presses, and leg extensions. They provide controlled resistance that’s easier on the joints.
Dumbbell Exercises: Once you’ve built up some strength, you can incorporate light dumbbells for exercises like lunges, chest presses, and rows to continue building muscle.
Core Workouts: Strengthening your core is essential for improving balance and stability. Exercises like planks, bird dogs, and leg raises are great for building a solid foundation of strength.

Building a Strength Training Routine

Creating a strength training routine that fits your needs is essential for long-term success. Here are some tips for creating a sustainable workout plan:

Frequency: Aim for two to three strength training sessions per week, spaced out to allow for adequate recovery.
Duration: Start with 20-30 minute sessions and gradually increase the time as your body becomes more accustomed to the routine.
Progression: Increase the resistance, repetitions, or sets as you build strength. A good rule of thumb is to challenge your muscles without overexerting yourself.
Consistency: Make strength training a regular part of your life, but be patient with the process. Progress may be slow, but every step forward is a victory.

Building muscle after cancer treatment is a powerful tool in the recovery process. Strength training not only helps rebuild muscle mass and physical strength, but it also provides emotional and mental benefits that can enhance overall well-being. By embracing a thoughtful, gradual approach to strength training, cancer survivors can regain control of their bodies, improve their health, and achieve a higher quality of life. Remember, consistency is key, strength comes over time.

In 2025, TrovaNow is expanding its impact—with a 40% increase in fundraising goals and more research sites dedicated to supporting cancer recovery. Visit www.trovanow.com to see how you can get involved and donate today.