Last Updated: 01/07/2010

On average, each individual should be receiving health checks at least once a year. It is vital to keep up-to-date with your body and to make sure your health and wellbeing is in good condition. With the risk of a variety of chronic illnesses at an alarming high, it has never been a more crucial time to get a health check or, if available, take advantage of free health checks at your workplace.

It is often difficult to take the first step. Laziness may be a factor but the big one is people's fear of what they may find out. While many people avoid going to get a health check as the results can be confronting, it is important to understand that early prevention is a key to a longer and healthier life.

Type 2 diabetes is one of the fastest growing diseases in Australia as is cardiovascular disease. Both of these conditions, if detected early, can be maintained and will give you a second shot at life. Many people aren't even aware that they may have or are at risk of these diseases which is indicated by the startling results gained from the free WorkHealth checks that have been initiated this year in Victorian workplaces.

Out of 100,000 people tested, 800 were strongly advised to see their GP within 24 hours of their health check results. Almost half of the men and a third of the women had very high risks of developing diabetes or heart disease. With diabetes increasing the chance of cardiovascular disease two or three times and cardiovascular disease killing one Australian every 11 minutes, it was fortunate that these people were given the right advice just in time.

It is statistics like these that really demonstrate the need of such an important and yet simple act such as getting a health check.

For general information regarding health checks, visit
http://www.nevdgp.org.au/info/Pattison/Checkup/full.htm

For more information catered for men, visit
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Health_checks_for_men?open

For more information catered for women, visit
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Health_checks_for_women?open
Victorians may want to visit www.workhealth.vic.gov.au to find out more about free health checks or call 1800 136 089.