10 signs you should do a medical screening

What does a medical screening at Doktershuis Antverpia involve?

A medical screening, often called a preventive check-up, is an in-depth assessment of your physical health. Whereas reactive care often only intervenes in acute complaints, work our doctors proactive and preventive.

With us in Berchem medical screening is a carefully constructed process. We do not start from standard lists, but from your unique medical profile. To guarantee this depth, our screenings always follow three phases.

The consultation: The foundation

Each route starts with a detailed personal interview with one of our doctors. They take the time to listen to your story. We thus chart your medical history, discuss any vague complaints and look at your family history. This phase is crucial to determine which areas we will focus on during an extensive screening need to zoom in extra.

Medical screening: comprehensive and preventive

In the screening phase, we conduct the core studies out that give an overall picture of your current health. This includes:

• Comprehensive lab tests: An in-depth analysis of your blood values for your cholesterol profile, sugar levels, kidney and liver functions, vitamins and hormonal balance.
• Cardiovascular check: Measurement of blood pressure, heart rate and an ECG to assess the condition of your heart and vessels.
• Basic physical measurements: Analysis of your BMI, fat percentage and general physical condition.

The specialist studies: tailor-made depth

Following the consultation and initial screening results, we can immediately switch to our in-house specialists. Instead of waiting months for a referral, we offer the option of additional, extensive examinations under the same roof.

• Cardiology and vascular surgery: For an in-depth look at your heart and blood vessels.
• Gastroenterology: Focus on your digestive system.
• Gynaecology and urology: Preventive care specific to men or women.
• Neurology: For complaints around focus, nerves or brain functions.
• Pneumology: Examination of the lungs and airways.
• NKO and ophthalmology: For your sensory health.
• Radiology: Advanced imaging to assess internal structures.

When do you opt for medical screening? The 5 main reasons

Waiting until obvious symptoms appear is often a risky strategy. There are different reasons and life stages where a preventive examination essential.

• The medical baseline: You feel good, but you want a science-based reference of your health. That way, we can spot future changes at an early stage.
• Age-related criteria: Although health knows no age, medical screening is the medical standard from the age of 45 to stay ahead of age-related risks. But with the current pressures of society, many people in their thirties are also already opting for preventive healthcare.
• Family tax: Do cardiovascular diseases, diabetes or specific cancers occur in immediate family members? Then early and regular monitoring is crucial.
• High-performance lifestyle: Entrepreneurs and professionals under constant high pressure ask a lot of their nervous system and heart. A medical screening objectively maps the impact of stress on your body.
• Lifestyle change: Are you planning to start exercising intensively again after a long break or do you want to change your diet? A medical screening ensures that you can start safely and, above all, responsibly.

10 Signs that medical screening is now necessary

Sometimes your body sends subtle hints that we often ignore. Do you recognise one or more of the following signals? Then it's time to be sure with a medical screening.

1. Persistent fatigue: You sleep enough, but still don't wake up feeling rested.
2. Reduced physical capacity: Sports or daily exercise suddenly feels much heavier.
3. Palpitations at rest: A restless or skipping feeling in the chest area.
4. Inexplicable weight fluctuations: Your weight changes for no apparent reason.
5. Loss of focus and 'Brain Fog': Difficulty concentrating or a foggy feeling in your head.
6. Changing digestion: Bloating or irregular bowel movements.
7. Sleep problems: Difficulty falling asleep or feeling agitated when waking up.
8. Skin changes: New birthmarks or spots that heal slowly or not at all.
9. Vague joint or muscle pain: Stiffness that cannot be explained by physical exertion.
10. The need for certainty: The constant feeling that you should actually get everything checked once.