How to conduct a health WOF
If you own a car, you’ll be familiar with the routine Warrant of Fitness (WOF) inspections it needs to undergo every year. Within these checks, the experts are making sure that everything is working as it should, and that your car is safe to be driven. If there are any issues, it’s your chance to get them sorted so you can have your car firing on all cylinders again.
Your health is no different. If you think of your body like a vehicle, you’ll be able to figure out several parts of it that should be checked to keep you healthy. Similarly to your car, you should be conducting a health WOF regularly to make sure your human engine is running smoothly. Here are a few essential checks that should be part of your next health WOF.
Blood tests
A simple blood test can tell you a lot about the current state of your health. From checking your blood sugar and cholesterol levels to monitoring how well your kidneys are functioning, blood tests are a great place to start to see where you might be able to improve your health.
Skin checks
Because New Zealand has one of the highest rates of melanoma in the world, it’s important to get your skin checked regularly. If you’ve got any new moles or old ones that have changed shape, it’s best to go and see your GP. You can also get a full-body skin check done with a skin cancer expert to be 100% sure.
Eye tests
Even if you’ve got 20/20 vision, it’s a good idea to book yourself in for an eye test as part of your health WOF to make sure the physical structure of your eyes is in good shape. An optometrist can conduct the right examinations to test your vision and look further into your eye physiology to rule out any issues.
Breast cancer screenings
Considering the fact that breast cancer is the most common type of cancer for Kiwi women, it’s important to undergo regular breast screening checks to help detect any signs of cancer early on. If you’re a woman aged 45-69, you might even be eligible for a free mammogram, so get in touch with your GP to discuss.
Dental checks
It’s not really a favourite thing to do, but heading to the dentist once a year to get your teeth looked at is a great thing to do for your overall health. This is because poor oral care can actually lead to further health problems, including diabetes. You may also need to visit your dentist more than once a year for regular cleanings if necessary. If you’ve got insurance that covers dental checks, this will be very helpful!
Blood pressure checks
Even if you don’t have a history of high blood pressure, it’s a good idea to have this checked regularly by your GP to rule out any increased risk of heart problems. Some medications, including some oral contraceptive pill types, can lead to elevated blood pressure, so it’s important you keep on top of it.
Bowel cancer screenings
Another common type of cancer in New Zealand, bowel cancer is second only to lung cancer in its mortality rates. To make sure everything is in tip-top shape with your bowels, it’s important to screen for any issues, especially if you have a family history of bowel cancer. If you’re aged between 60 and 74, you are eligible to receive free bowel screenings as part of the National Bowel Screening Programme.
If you think you’d like to include any of the above in your next health check-up, take a look at your insurance policy to see what might be covered. If you’re looking to upgrade your policy to one that covers more, book a free review with us today. We can make sure that your next health WOF doesn’t need to cost an arm and a leg!
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