Author: Mrinalini Atchia

We often hear about the importance of having a health check-up. As a preventative health care measure, it helps to identify potential pathologies before they appear or become serious. Who should have a check-up? How does it work? Interview with Dr Panchcoory, general practitioner at the Bon Pasteur Clinic.

Celebrated on June 12^th, Global Wellness Day is designed to serve as a reminder of the importance of taking care of ourselves. This also means taking preventive measures! ‘The health check-up is an essential screening tool to determine a person’s health condition. It also enables us to detect diseases that have remained unnoticed. The earlier a disorder is detected, the better the chances of a favorable diagnosis,’ explains Dr. Panchcoory.

Although the health check-up is aimed at any individual wishing to determine their health condition, from the age of 40 onwards a more regular check-up, every year or two, is recommended. ‘It also depends on the person’s personal health concerns, for example, if they have a high risk of heart disease or stroke, or if they have a chronic illness. If, for example, the person has a family history of cardiovascular disease, they should start the check-ups earlier and be monitored more regularly,’ says Dr. Panchcoory. The patient’s medical history, which includes the information gathered by the doctor during the examination – age, sex, occupation, smoking or alcohol consumption, etc. – also serves as a guide for the tests to be carried out.

The basic health check-up consists in the following steps: first of all, an analysis by the general practitioner – including blood pressure, physical examination, lung and abdominal examination, measurement of weight, height, waist and hip circumference, etc. – is used to draw up an initial health profile of the patient. In addition, a blood sample is taken on an empty stomach in the morning to detect, for example, possible diabetes, high cholesterol, infectious or tumor pathology, or anemia.

The examination is sometimes followed by a urine test or a resting electrocardiogram. However, for Dr Panchcoory, each check-up must be personalized. ‘We have to take into account the patient’s history and family background to offer a check-up with tests that are specifically designed for them,’ he says.

Even if there are no symptoms, a person with, for example, a family history of colorectal cancer should start having colonoscopies even before the age of 50. At the same time, the person’s lifestyle is also taken into account when determining the most appropriate tests. ‘A smoker or a person exposed to pollutants such as construction products or dust, for example, should have their lung function assessed by spirometry,’ he adds.

Although laboratories sometimes offer complete check-ups, it is still necessary to be previously examined by a general practitioner. The latter will be able to guide you as to which tests to carry out and will ensure that the check-up is as accurate as possible. ‘Once the evaluation has been carried out, we can, if necessary, refer the patient to other more specific tests for an even more accurate diagnosis,’ concludes the Dr.

Need to have a health check-up? Contact us on 401 95 00 and we will advise you on how to proceed.

Each year on May 25^th, the thyroid gland is given special attention. And for good reason! Despite its small size, this gland controls many of our body’s essential functions. And since thyroid disorders are among the most common endocrine problems, endocrinologist and diabetologist Dr Anjuli Gunness tells us more.

What is the thyroid?

The thyroid is a small gland located close to the Adam’s apple in the throat. It produces thyroid hormones that are vital for many of the body’s functions, including the gut, the heart, the brain and even the reproductive organs! We all possess thyroid hormone receptors throughout the body and a single malfunction can affect growth, sleep, mood, hunger and metabolism in many ways.

What are the most common diseases associated with this disorder?

The most common disorders are hyperthyroidism, which is the overproduction of thyroid hormones, and hypothyroidism, which is a decrease in their production. The possibility of developing thyroid nodules, which are usually benign, is also noted. However, they need to be monitored as they can lead to compressions and even cancer. Thyroid cancer, although rare, may develop.

Which symptoms are associated with a thyroid disorder?

The most common symptom of hypothyroidism is a general metabolic slowdown. People affected suffer from low energy, fatigue, bradycardia, constipation and often complain of feeling cold, having difficulty making decisions or carrying out certain tasks. In women, irregular bleeding and even a decrease in fertility may occur. Weight gain, hair loss and fragile fingernails are also symptoms of hypothyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is the opposite! Those affected complain of diarrhoea, irritability, anxiety, fatigue, sleep disorders, itchy skin, loss of weight and menstrual changes in women.

What are these disorders caused by?

They are most often caused by an autoimmune disease: in the case of hypothyroidism, the body produces antibodies that reduce the thyroid gland’s ability to produce these hormones. Conversely, autoimmune hyperthyroidism will result in an excessive amount of thyroid hormone production. Other common causes include inflammation of the gland following a viral infection, resulting in temporary and, in rare cases, permanent disturbances. Surgery following the formation of a hyperactive nodular goitre – a cause of hyperthyroidism – or radiation to treat hyperthyroidism or a form of cancer of the gland can, on the other hand, cause damage to its function and result in hypothyroidism. Lastly, a deficiency of iodine can also cause hypothyroidism.

How are these disorders diagnosed?

Thyroid problems are easy to detect. The Clinic’s laboratory performs two blood tests: the T3 T4 TSH test measures thyroid hormone levels, while the ATPO ATG test analyses antibodies in the blood. An ultrasound scan of the thyroid can also be performed to see if there are any nodules. For more advanced tests, radioactive iodine tests can identify gland activity.

Can thyroid dysfunction be prevented?

Yes and no. Some people have hereditary thyroid disorders. Others may have antibodies but no disorder. Some may need to have part of the gland removed. These people, who do not have any symptoms yet, need further follow-up. CT-scans or certain medications can also affect thyroid function and should be monitored. For people with hypothyroidism, a rich iodine diet can be implemented to improve thyroid function. However, neither diet nor stress in itself can be factors of thyroid dysfunction.

If you think you may have a thyroid disorder, please call Dr. Gunness at 401 95 00 to make an appointment.