For most, when making the commitment to work hard in favor of your own health, this involves a strategy with exercise routines and a controlled diet. What so many people forget on the path to fitness is the importance of keeping medical professionals involved in their lives. You can keep up good habits and a health-promotional environment, but there are certain tests and checkups throughout your life that you’ll never want to miss. Here are some of those that you’ll need to keep up on at least twice a year to stay in top shape.

Blood Work

For those who are trying to build significant muscle mass, frequent blood tests are particularly important. The information collected from these tests will help determine individual hormone, cholesterol, and other levels. This information is important to know to aid in choosing the right supplements and diet plan when building muscle. Your doctor can help you read these test results and give you more information.

HIV

This is important for those who engage in casual sex with more than one partner every six month period. It’s not only important for your own health, but for the health of others that you come in contact with. Needless to say, finding you are HIV positive would result in a series of health complications and difficulties. So take the proper precautions now, and continue to get tested twice a year to be safe.

Teeth-Cleaning

Oral health may not seem to be pertinent to your overall health, but there is a stronger connection than you might think. Poor oral health and gum disease has been linked directly to a higher risk for heart disease, especially when rampant bacteria in the mouth gets into your bloodstream and affects other areas of your body, namely your heart. Make sure you get your biannual cleaning done with your local dentist (in Toronto and nearby areas, you can find great first-time deals).

Massage Therapy

Okay, this may not necessarily be a “medical” check-up. But for those engaging in consistent heavy exercise (athletes, body-builders, etc.) you’ll need to get those muscles worked out frequently to avoid injury. For the hardest workers, a trip to see a masseuse once a month (or even once a week) would be truly ideal. But we all know this can get expensive, so a massage at least every six months should prevent you from injuring yourself (and keep stress relieved, too).

Mammogram

For a woman to keep happy and healthy overall, she needs to be diligentin staying on top of cancer prevention and breast health measures. Many health organizations suggest a professional mammogram be done once a year, but twice a year can be a good idea depending on your history for cancer. Either way, biannual self-exams should be performed to ensure that any apparent irregularities get checked out as soon as possible.

It’s difficult to stay vigilant about one’s health when there are so many areas to keep track of. At least you can rest assured that the professionals will know what to do when you see them, so schedule these checkups in and let your mind be at ease.

About the author : Victoria Ramos studied business and now blogs about developments in the field, as well as her other interests. She loves shopping, socializing, hosting parties, decorating, and writing. For more information on local dental services, visit Toothworks at their website.
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