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The Most Common Health Checks Every Adult Should Get

Health Self Care

When life gets busy, it’s easy to push health checks down the priority list. However, regular health screenings are essential to catch potential issues early and maintain long-term wellbeing.

In Ireland, there are several routine health checks that every adult should consider, depending on age, family history, and lifestyle. Here’s a straightforward guide to the most important ones you shouldn’t skip.

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Most Common Health Checks

1. Blood Pressure Check

High blood pressure (hypertension) often has no obvious symptoms but can lead to serious problems like heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage.

  • Recommended: At least once every 2 years from age 18, or more often if you have risk factors.
  • Where: Your GP, local pharmacy, or health clinics often offer free checks.

2. Blood Tests

A routine blood test can reveal a lot about your overall health, including:

  • Cholesterol levels (to assess heart disease risk)
  • Blood sugar levels (for early detection of diabetes)
  • Kidney and liver function
  • Iron levels (important for preventing anaemia)
  • Recommended: Every 1–2 years, depending on your health status.
  • Where: Through your GP or a private health screening service.

3. Cancer Screenings

Cancer screening saves lives by detecting early signs before symptoms appear. Ireland has national screening programmes for:

  • BreastCheck: Free mammograms for women aged 50–69.
  • CervicalCheck: Free smear tests for women aged 25–65.
  • BowelScreen: Free home test kits for men and women aged 60–69.

Early diagnosis can make all the difference, so it’s important to accept your screening invitation when it arrives.

4. Bone Density Scan (DEXA)

As you get older, the risk of osteoporosis increases, especially for women after menopause.

  • Recommended: Women over 65, men over 70, or earlier if you have risk factors like a family history of fractures.
  • Where: Specialist clinics or referral by your GP.
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5. Eye Tests

Regular eye checks aren’t just about vision—they can detect:

  • Glaucoma
  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • Macular degeneration
  • Recommended: Every 2 years for adults; yearly if you have a family history of eye conditions or wear glasses.

6. Hearing Tests

Hearing loss can creep up slowly and affect your quality of life.

  • Recommended: Baseline hearing test by age 50, then follow-up as needed.
  • Where: Hearing specialists, audiology clinics, or through GP referral.

7. Mental Health Check

Mental wellbeing is just as important as physical health. Routine mental health checks can help identify:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Stress-related disorders
  • Recommended: Regularly check in with yourself and seek advice from your GP if you notice changes in mood, sleep, or behaviour.

8. Dental Check-Ups

Good oral health is vital to your overall health. Gum disease, for instance, has been linked to heart disease and diabetes.

  • Recommended: Dental check-up and clean every 6 to 12 months.
  • Where: Any registered dental clinic; some people may qualify for subsidised checks through PRSI benefits.

9. Skin Checks

Skin cancer rates in Ireland are rising due to changing lifestyles and sun exposure habits.

  • Recommended: Annual skin checks, particularly if you have fair skin, lots of moles, or a history of sunburn.
  • Tip: Self-monitoring your skin for changes in moles or new growths between professional checks is also important.
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Final Thoughts

Staying on top of regular health checks is a simple but powerful way to look after yourself. Many of these screenings are quick, painless, and in some cases, completely free in Ireland.

Remember: prevention is better than cure. A few minutes now could save you years of worry later.

If you haven’t booked a check-up in a while, consider making that call today—you’ll be doing your future self a big favour.

Stay informed with itson.ie.

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