Why Your General Health Check Up Matters: Start the Year Informed

What is a general health check up and why should you get one? A general health check up is a routine medical appointment with your GP that helps detect early signs of illness, track ongoing health conditions, and keep your overall wellbeing on track. It’s one of the simplest and most important ways to invest […]

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general health check up

Why Your General Health Check Up Matters: Start the Year Informed

What is a general health check up and why should you get one? A general health check up is a routine medical appointment with your GP that helps detect early signs of illness, track ongoing health conditions, and keep your overall wellbeing on track. It’s one of the simplest and most important ways to invest in your long-term health and the start of the year is the perfect time to book it.

If you’re based in Old Reynella, SA, Reynella Family Care offers comprehensive general health check ups for all ages, helping you start 2026 informed, supported, and in control of your health.

 

What Is a General Health Check Up?

A general health check up is a proactive medical review carried out by your GP. Unlike a visit for a specific issue, a check up is about assessing your current health status, even if you’re not feeling unwell.

It usually includes:

  • Blood pressure check
  • Weight and BMI assessment
  • Blood tests (e.g. cholesterol, blood sugar)
  • Medical and family history review
  • Lifestyle and mental health screening
  • Discussions around diet, exercise, alcohol and smoking
  • Early detection of risk factors for chronic diseases

Your GP may also suggest age-appropriate screening, like cervical, breast, prostate or bowel cancer checks, depending on your risk factors.

 

What Are General Health Check Up Tests?

One of the most common questions people ask is: what are the tests involved in a general health check up?

While each person’s check up is tailored, some of the most common tests include:

  • Blood tests to check cholesterol, glucose levels and kidney function
  • Blood pressure monitoring
  • Heart rate and rhythm assessment
  • Urinalysis (in some cases)
  • ECG (if heart concerns are present)
  • Mental health check, including screening for anxiety or depression
  • Preventative screenings based on age and gender

Your GP will use these results to assess your health and recommend any necessary next steps from lifestyle changes to referrals or follow-up care.

 

Why Book a Yearly Health Check Up?

Booking a yearly health check up is a smart way to keep on top of your health goals. When you check in regularly with your GP, you build a health record over time that makes it easier to spot changes early.

Some of the biggest benefits include:

  • Early detection of issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol
  • Preventing chronic disease through lifestyle support
  • Reviewing medications and ensuring they’re still appropriate
  • Discussing mental health, which is often overlooked
  • Building a trusted relationship with your doctor

At Reynella Family Care, we recommend a yearly health check up for most adult patients, particularly those over 40 or with a family history of chronic disease.

 

Don’t Forget Your Mental Health Check

Your physical and mental health are deeply connected which is why more GPs now include mental health checks as part of routine appointments. This might involve a quick discussion about your mood, stress levels, sleep, or any emotional challenges you’ve been facing.

You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit. Checking in with your GP early can help prevent more serious issues down the track.

 

The Link Between Sleep and Health

One area not always covered in routine checks, but still vital to your overall wellbeing, is sleep.

Sleep quality affects everything from your immune system to your mental health, heart health, and metabolism. If poor sleep has become a pattern, it could be a sign of underlying issues worth investigating.

This report from AIHW explores how sleep problems are linked to increased health risks and chronic disease. It’s a fascinating area of research and worth reading if you’re serious about maintaining your long-term health.

 

Your General Health Check Up in Old Reynella, SA

If you’re local to Reynella, Reynella Family Care offers thorough, friendly, and personalised health check ups for patients of all ages.

Whether you’re new to the area, haven’t seen a GP in a while, or simply want to make your health a priority in 2026, booking a general health check up is the best place to start. We’ll take the time to understand your history, goals, and any concerns you have, and help you build a clear plan for staying well.

 

Ready to Check Your Body Health?

You don’t need to wait until something feels wrong to see your doctor. In fact, the best time to book a general health check up is when you feel fine because that’s when preventative care works best.

Whether you’re looking to manage your existing conditions, improve your energy, or simply get peace of mind, our team at Reynella Family Care is here to help.

👉 Book your general health check up today and take the first step toward a healthier year.