Hello nairalanders.
From today, i'm going to be posting all i know and all av been able to gather about medical checkups for the advantage of people who dont see the need for it and people who will like to know more about it plus the packages available to choose from. I will be updating regularly.

Four reasons why regular health checkups are important.
The rising cost of healthcare combined with busy work schedules means that many people are putting regular checkups on the back burner. But the hard truth of the matter is that regular doctors' visits plus laboratory visits can mean the difference between life and death.
It is essential that you have regular medical, eye and dental checkups if you want to live a long and healthy life. Doctors and laboratory tests being done are able to spot issues early on as well as offer practical advice on healthy living. Not convinced? Read on for information on some of the many ways doctors' visits are so important.

1. Prevention is better than cure

Regular checkups will provide doctors with a way to spot any health issues early on. Checkups incorporate several tests, including preventative screenings and physical examinations, to check patients' current health and risks. If any problems are found, your doctor will provide information on treatment plans and ways that you can prevent health issues in the future.
Popular health checks include:
Cervical smear tests (Pap tests) for women
Blood pressure tests
Cholesterol level checks
Complete(full) blood count
Body mass index (BMI) and obesity tests
Diabetes checks
If you have any more specific health concerns, then your doctor will be able to advise you on these and conduct the proper checks.
While doctors' checks will help pot any issues early on, you can follow a few steps to support a healthy lifestyle and to complete a number of health checks at home. It has been said that women should regularly check their breasts for lumps, while both men and women should study the skin for changes in moles or freckles. In addition, you should have a nutritious and balanced diet, exercise regularly, and maintain a healthy weight range. If you notice anything unusual, schedule a doctor's appointment as soon as possible.


2. Cut healthcare costs

For many, the thought of a large doctor's bill is enough to put off scheduling a checkup. However, there are several ways that you can find great savings on health care. Checkups could also save you plenty of money in the long run as they help to minimize the risk of potential health issues that will lower the risks for surgery or more extensive medical care in the future.
Discount coupons will let you save on checkups and other medical or health expenses in places in your area of town. Also, check with your insurance company or your employer if and how they help to cover medical and health costs.


3. Dental care

As well as appointments with a doctor, you should also schedule checkups at the dentist. It can be a tricky task knowing how often you should visit the dentist. According to The Journal of Dental Research, the amount of times you visit the dentist depends on your level of risk for periodontal disease. While many say that visits should be made every six months, those with dental problems may need to have their teeth checked more regularly.
Good oral health plays an important role in the overall health of your body. After all, inflammatory gum disease can lead to tooth loss, while bacteria buildup in the mouth has been said to put you at increased risk of heart disease, according to WebMD. In addition to having regular appointments with the dentist, you should maintain a good oral care regime that includes frequent brushing and flossing.


4. Eye care

While doctors are able to provide some information about eye issues, it is important for people of all ages to schedule vision and eye care tests. Optometrists and eye doctors can check for glaucoma(A common eye condition in which the fluid pressure inside the eye rises to a level higher than healthy for that eye. If untreated, it may damage the optic nerve, causing the loss of vision or even blindness ) and provide vision reports and possible glasses or contact lens prescriptions, should you need them. People between 50 and 65 should have eye checks at least every two years, while those over the age of 65 should have a test every year. People with increased risk of having eye issues should talk to their eye doctor to see how often they should visit.
You can lower your chances of developing health issues in the future by maintaining a healthy diet; exercising regularly; having a good oral health routine; and booking regular medical, laboratory, dental and eye checkups.

Today, its all about complete or full blood count(FBC/CBC)
How is it used?
The FBC is used as a broad screening test to check for such disorders as anaemia, infection, and many other diseases. It is actually a panel of tests that examines different parts of the blood and includes the following:

White blood cell (WBC) count is a count of the actual number of white blood cells per volume of blood. Both increases and decreases can be significant.
White blood cell differential: looks at the types of white blood cells present. There are five different types of white blood cells, each with its own function in protecting us from infection. The differential classifies a person's white blood cells into each type: neutrophils (also known as PMNs), lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils.
Red blood cell (RBC) count: is a count of the actual number of red blood cells per volume of blood. Both increases and decreases can point to abnormal conditions.
Haemoglobin measures the amount of oxygen-carrying protein in the blood.
Haematocrit measures the amount of space red blood cells take up in the blood. It is reported as a percentage (0 to 100) or a proportion (0 to 1).
The platelet count is the number of platelets in a given volume of blood. Both increases and decreases can point to bleeding or bone marrow disorders.
Mean platelet volume (MPV) is a machine-calculated measurement of the average size of your platelets. New platelets are larger, and an increased MPV occurs when increased numbers of platelets are being produced.
Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is a measurement of the average size of your RBCs. The MCV is elevated when your RBCs are larger than normal (macrocytic), for example in anaemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency or folic acid deficiency. When the MCV is decreased, your RBCs are smaller than normal (microcytic), which may indicate iron deficiency anaemia, inflammation or occasionally thalassaemias.
Mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) is a calculation of the amount of oxygen-carrying haemoglobin inside your RBCs. Since macrocytic RBCs are larger than either normal or microcytic RBCs, they would also tend to have higher MCH values.
Mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) is a calculation of the concentration of haemoglobin inside the RBCs. Decreased MCHC values (hypochromia) are seen in conditions where the haemoglobin is abnormally diluted inside the red cells, such as in iron deficiency anaemia, long standing inflammation or thalassaemia. Increased MCHC values (hyperchromia) are seen in conditions where the haemoglobin is abnormally concentrated inside the red cells, such as in hereditary or autoimmune spherocytosis.
Red cell distribution width (RDW) is a calculation of the variation in the size of your RBCs. In some anaemias, such as iron deficiency or pernicious anaemia, the amount of variation (anisocytosis) in RBC size (along with variation in shape – poikilocytosis) causes an increase in the RDW.

When is it requested?
The FBC is a very common test used to screen for, help diagnose, and to monitor a variety of conditions.

If a patient is having symptoms associated with anaemia, such as fatigue or weakness, or has an infection, inflammation, bruising, or bleeding, then the doctor may order a FBC to help diagnose the cause. Significant increases in WBCs may help confirm that an infection is present and suggest the need for further testing to identify its cause. Decreases in the number of RBCs (anaemia) can be further evaluated by changes in size or shape of the RBCs to help determine if the cause might be decreased production, increased loss, or increased destruction of RBCs. A platelet count that is low or extremely high may need further investigation.

Many conditions will result in increases or decreases in the cell populations. Some of these conditions may require treatment, while others will resolve on their own. Some diseases, such as cancer (and chemotherapy treatment), can affect bone marrow production of cells, increasing the production of one cell at the expense of others or decreasing overall cell production. Some medications can decrease WBC counts, and some vitamin and mineral deficiencies can cause anaemia. The FBC test may be requested by the doctor on a regular basis to monitor these conditions and drug treatments.


What does the test result mean?


Components of the FBC
WBC White Blood Cell May be increased with infections, inflammation, cancer, leukaemia; decreased with some medications, some autoimmune conditions, some viral or severe infections, bone marrow failure, enlarged spleen, liver disease, alcohol excess and congenital marrow aplasia (marrow doesn't develop normally). For more information, see Blod Film and WBC.
% Neutrophil Neutrophil/Band/ANC - This is a dynamic population that varies somewhat from day to day depending on what is going on in the body. Neutrophils are one of the first lines of defence against bacterial infection. The 'normal' level of neutrophils deffers between ethnic groups.
Lymphs Lymphocyte Can be increased or decreased by viral infections. Can be increased in conditions such as chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
% Mono Monocyte Can be increased with some types of infection eg. TB and and bone marrow disorders eg. Myelodysplasia
% Eos Eosinophil Can be increased due to atopy (asthma, hay fever, eczema) drug allergies, some parasitic infections and with other conditions including vasculitis, Hodgkin’s lymphoma and bone marrow disorders.
% Baso Basophil Can be increased in some infections, inflammatory disorders and in bone marrow disorders eg. chronic myeloid leukaemia
RBC Red Blood Cell Decreased with anaemia; increased when too many made and with fluid loss due to diarrhoea, dehydration, burns
Hb Haemoglobin Mirrors RBC results
Hct Haematocrit Mirrors RBC results
MCV Mean Corpuscular Volume Increased with B12 and Folate deficiency, liver disease, underactive thyroid, pregnancy, alcohol excess, some bone marrow disorders; decreased with iron deficiency, longstanding inflammatory disorders and thalassaemia
MCH Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin May be low in iron deficiency, inflammatory conditions and thalassaemia
MCHC Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration Helps with interpretation of MCH and in diagnosis of specific red cell disorders e.g. hereditary spherocytosis.
RDW RBC Distribution Width Increased RDW indicates abnormal variation in RBC size. Can indicate iron, B12 or folate deficiency or bone marrow disorders.
Platelet- . .Increased numbers of platelets occur after bleeding, inflammation, infection and surgery in bone marrow disorders and in patients with absent or underactive spleens. Decreased numbers are associated with immune conditions such as ITP and SLE, vitamin deficiencies, some drugs (especially chemotherapy), alcoholism, liver disease, enlarged spleens, bone marrow disorders and with some rare inherited disorders (such as Wiskott-Aldrich, Bernard-Soulier)
MPV Mean Platelet Volume- Vary with platelet production; younger platelets are larger than older ones


Is there anything else I should know?
Many different conditions can result in increases or decreases in the cell populations. Some of these conditions may require treatment, while others may resolve on their own.

Recent blood transfusions affect the results of the FBC.

Normal FBC values for babies and children are different from adults. The laboratory will supply the reference ranges for various age groups, and a healthcare professional will take these into consideration when interpreting data.

If you want to be a healthy and happy life then it is necessary to schedule your health check up weekly basis. I know one of the best Urgent care clinic in Hoboken .

Fasting Blood Sugar(FBS)


The fasting blood glucose test(FBS) is the test most commonly used to diagnose diabetes. It measures blood glucose levels after a period of fasting, usually at least eight hours without food or liquid (except water).
This test is more definitive than a random test, because there is no chance that it has been influenced by recent food intake.If your fasting blood glucose level is greater than 125 mg/dL in two separate tests, then the diagnosis of diabetes is made.
What it's used for
This test is used to measure your level of fasting blood glucose to diagnose diabetes.
Preparation
Don't eat or drink anything but water for eight hours before the test is scheduled. Most of the time, this means having the test done in the morning, before breakfast.
How it's done
A small amount of blood is collected either from a finger or from a vein. The blood is then analyzed and you will be informed of the results.
Follow-up
If the first level is above 125 mg/dL, the fasting blood glucose test will be done again (for example, the next day) to confirm a diagnosis of diabetes. A value between 100 and 125 mg/dL indicates pre-diabetes. Someone with a result in this range should be followed closely, with follow-up testing.
Fasting blood glucose less than 100 mg/dL is normal

http://www.onetouch.com/articles/fasting-blood-glucose-test

Urinalysis[i][/i]


What is a Urinalysis?
A urinalysis is a laboratory test done to detect problems with your body that can appear in your urine.

Many illnesses and disorders affect how your body removes waste and toxins. The system that takes care of that is broadly called the excretory system, and includes your lungs, kidneys, urinary tract, skin, and bladder. Problems with any of these parts of your body can affect the appearance, concentration, and content of your urine.

Urinalysis is not the same as drug screening or pregnancy tests, although all three tests involve a urine sample.

Why Urinalysis Is Done
There are several reasons your doctor may order you to undergo urinalysis.

Urinalysis is often used as pre-emptive screening during pregnancy checkups, prior to surgery, or part of a routine medical exam or physical.

Your doctor may order urinalysis if he or she suspects you of having certain conditions, or you experience certain symptoms, including:

abdominal pain
back pain
blood in the urine
diabetes
kidney disease
liver disease
painful urination
urinary tract infection
If you’ve been diagnosed with any of these conditions, your doctor may use urinalysis testing to check on the progress of treatments or tracking the progression of a disease.

The Risks of Urinalysis
Urinalysis carries no risks to the patient as it simply requires you to urinate in a cup.

How to Prepare for Urinalysis
One of the best ways to prepare for giving a urine sample is to make sure you drink enough water to provide an adequate sample.

Prior to the test, tell your doctor about any medications or supplements you take as these may affect the results.

How Urinalysis Is Performed
Urinalysis is performed in a laboratory setting. This may be at your doctor’s office, hospital, or specialized testing facility.

You’ll be given a plastic cup. You’ll take the cup to the bathroom. There, in a private setting, you’ll urinate into the cup. If you have too much urine and not enough cup, you can finish urinating in the toilet.

When you’re finished, you’ll place the lid on the cup and wash your hands. You’ll either bring the cup out of the bathroom with you, or leave it in a special box inside the bathroom.

After you’ve provided your sample, your portion of the test is done. The sample will then be sent to a lab, or remain in the hospital if they have the necessary equipment.

The urine sample will be tested by appearance, under a microscope, and with specialized strips treated with chemicals to test for the following:

bilirubin, a product of red blood cell death
blood
concentration
leukocytes, nitrates, and other signs of infection
sugars
pH levels (acidity)

After a Urinalysis
When the results from your urinalysis are complete, your doctor will review them with you.

Abnormal results from urinalysis typically requires additional screening methods to adequately determine the cause of your problems. This could include blood tests, imaging tests (CT scans, MRI, etc.), or other diagnostic procedures

HIV TEST/RVS

How long after a possible exposure should I be tested for HIV??
**If you think you have been exposed to HIV, please find a place to get a free, confidential HIV test . It may be appropriate for you to start medication immediately. A trained test counselor will help assess your risk and figure out the right time and type of test to apply.
The time it takes for a person who has been infected with HIV to show a positive test result (also known as
seroconverting ) is commonly called the "window period". There are different types of HIV Tests, and each type has a different window period .
A test taken at least 12 weeks (3 months) after exposure to the virus provides highly accurate results. In rare cases, a person could take up to six months to test positive using standard tests, and that is almost always a person with a severely compromised immune system due to another disease, such as leukemia.
What does this mean for you?
Any time that you have reason to think you've been directly exposed to HIV, you should consult with your doctor or a trained HIV test counselor. The sooner you address the possibility of being infected, the better for you and your future sexual partners.
If you test negative on an antibody test taken 3 months or longer after your last possible risk of possible exposure to HIV, you can feel safe in assuming that you do not have the virus. If for some reason you feel anxiety about relying on the 3-month result, you could opt to have another test taken again at 6 months.
For this reason, I recommend that people who are having sex get tested routinely every 3 months. Routine testing is painless and ensures that if you do get infected, you will begin getting treatment quickly.

Hello guys.
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There's also a package- CORPORATE HEALTH which is already available. Corporate health is a package for organizations - both big and small to book health checkup for their staff irrespective of the staff strength to reduce health care costs, increase productivity, reduce absenteeism, enhance employee morale, attract and retain high-quality employees and create a positive return on investment. No matter where you are, we'll come to you and get your sample collected. To book or order, please visit www.mediosa.com.ng or send a mail to Info@mediosa.com.ng indicating the name of your organization, location, staff strength, phone number and your email. We typically reply within few hours. #Simplifyinghealthcare #Becausewecare