Why You Should Take Advantage of Free Health Screenings

Free screenings have become readily available in recent years, yet few people take advantage of them. Everyone from hospitals to pharmacies routinely offer complimentary health screenings, which are a simple and affordable preventive measure against life-threatening diseases. In this post, we'll discuss what typical procedures entail and why you should take advantage of them whenever possible.

Detection & Prevention

The most lethal and insidious diseases in America are usually the so-called "silent killers" because their symptoms are often undetected by the sufferer. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even diabetes can be difficult to detect without formal testing. Every single one of these diseases, however, can be detected in a typical complimentary testing that only lasts about 15 minutes. When it comes to diseases like these, early detection of risk factors and proper lifestyle management can make all the difference. In fact, early identification of risk and lifestyle changes can reduce the development of diabetes by 58% and the development of heart disease by 80%. In many ways, then, one complimentary examination could help save your life. Moreover, a free screening is a cheaper alternative than a visit to your healthcare provider, which will lower your costs.

What They Entail

The most basic free tests usually will check your blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose levels, and body mass index. Depending on how intensive the testing is, you may also receive:

• Dental checks and oral cancer exams
• Mental health screenings
• HIV tests
• Glaucoma exam
• Breathing tests
• Bone density tests
• Hearing tests

Who Offers Them?

These examinations are typically offered by organizations affiliated with the medical care industry, such as hospitals, clinics, or pharmacies. However, more and more employers are also offering free exams to their employees. Here is a list of groups that commonly sponsor complimentary testing:

• Pharmacies
• Hospitals
• Public health departments
• Corporations
• Family planning clinics
• Colleges and universities