Healthcare Assessments
What is good health?
Our bodies and minds are designed to work together to keep us physically and mentally in balance. When this is achieved we experience a sense of well being. We are able to function physically and mentally in an efficient way, be it in our personal lives or in the work environment. Our bodies are able to regenerate and heal themselves, and our immune system is at its optimal efficiency, protecting us from infections and repairing changes in our bodies that may lead to cancer.
There are many factors that can create an imbalance in our mental and physical states. This can then lead to 'ill health'. We need to understand how these factors can impact on our health. Through understanding our environment, and ourselves, we can adjust our habits in order to realign our lives for a better balance.
We understand that personal well being can be achieved when we have a sense of balance in the five important areas of our lives:
- Physical and Health
- Emotional and Mental Health
- Spiritual and Personal Development
- Relationships with Others
- Financial and Work Environment
What is Health Assessment about?
Our aim, through Health Assessment, is to provide a service that looks at an individual's current health, the factors and all of the important areas that may impact on their future health and well being.
Each person is unique, and therefore will have a personalised consultation focusing on their individual circumstances. This will allow us to create a personal health profile, which is individually tailored to provide specific advice relating to that individual.
We ensure that time is given to listen to and understand each client's concerns and priorities. Time is also provided to discuss the issues around the advice given so that the client understands the significance of the advice and is happy with it.
We are sensitive to the already busy lifestyles of the people who we see, and will always discuss solutions and ways of implementing the changes discussed into their busy lives.
What is involved?
Health Assessment is very much like an 'MOT'. It is a way of looking at your current health and assessing the factors, which have been shown to have an impact on your future health and well being. These can include the following categories:
- Genetic
- Social
- Environmental
- Occupational
- Mental and Psychological
This allows us to formulate a personal health profile and advice about changes that would improve your outlook. We also have access to the latest health information about medical and psychological issues that specifically affect you.
Although many tests are important in establishing baseline information, we do not believe in putting people through more extensive or invasive tests unless it is clinically indicated, or there is clear evidence that they will benefit the individual. In these cases the tests are only organised after full discussion with the client.
Our screening and assessment programme is based upon current medical thinking and based upon medical evidence. An initial pack is sent to each client. This contains information about the health assessment and what to expect. There is also a questionnaire and a diet assessment sheet to complete and bring to the assessment. Some clinical tests that the clients can prepare will also be included (where applicable).
The medical report and advice will be discussed at the end of the consultation and the report will be forwarded to the client once all the test results have been received. This is normally within ten working days of the consultation. The tests that take longer will be forwarded on at a later date.
If there are any pressing medical issues the Doctor will take appropriate action to ensure immediate or urgent follow up is arranged. This can be done, either, through the client's own General Practitioner, or directly, as we have strong links with the local private and NHS Hospitals and excellent working relationships with consultants in all of the Medical and Surgical fields, as well as Physiotherapists, sports injury and musculoskeletal specialists.
What are we looking at?
- Occupational risks and work related stress factors
- Family profiling and genetic risk
- Personal lifestyle and habits
- Nutrition and exercise
- Depression and stress assessment
- Physical measurements and tests (ECG, blood pressure, lung function, hearing vision, urinalysis and (where indicated) stool test)
- Blood tests to look for anaemia and blood disorders, renal function, bone function and rheumatology (where indicated), liver function, diabetes, gout, lipids, prostate specific antigen (where indicated) and thyroid function (where indicated)
- Physical examination, including prostate examination for men over 40 years of age. For men there will be testicular screening and advice, and for women breast and pelvic screening will be provided, and appropriate advice will be given
- Additional tests such as chest X-Ray, mammograms and high vaginal swabs are also available where there is a specific need or indication. These will be charged as additional tests.
- A full coronary risk assessment will be carried out and the results discussed.
Our aim is to screen for health issues and to provide information in an understandable and useful format. The aim of follow up is to monitor health issues and to feed back on progress and health improvements. We wish the experience to be enjoyable and worthwhile, and hope that the advice brings about positive changes in our client's feeling of well being and health.
