Why Australians need to prioritise their health check-ups

Over half of Australians are putting crucial appointments on the backburner, leaving healthcare professionals concerned.

Alex Fengitis, 22.

The cost-of-living crisis has forced over half of Australians to put health appointments on the backburner, leaving many at risk and healthcare professionals concerned.

NSW residents aged 18-50 are skipping health appointments, as well as 54 per cent of already vulnerable older Australians aged 65 and over – putting themselves at even greater risk, according to Specsavers research.

These emerging trends are mirrored by Australian Bureau of Statistics data, which shows that Australia is experiencing its largest annual increase in living costs in more than two decades.

A recent Roy Morgan study found that 33 per cent of Australians are either cancelling or deferring medical appointments due to their expense.

Across NSW, people are already adjusting spending to make ends meet by doing less socialising, putting off holidays and spending less on groceries.

Specsavers optometrist Greeshma Patel says simply waiting for health problems – especially those related to the eyes and ears – to go away may be extremely detrimental to overall health.

“We understand that families and older Australians have shifted their priorities to combat the cost of living – but your health is something that you can’t put a price on,” she says.

“Getting your eyes tested regularly is critical because many eye conditions, like glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, are characterised by a lack of symptoms and, if left untreated, can lead to severe complications, even loss of vision. Some studies have also found that hearing loss can lead to an increased risk of dementia.”

DELAYS CAN BE COSTLY

Alex Fengitis, 22, is one of many people putting off regular check-ups for months.

“I just couldn’t find the time to juggle appointments with work, and trying to budget a monthly pay meant I was delaying routine health checks just to keep some extra finances up my sleeve in case I needed them,” she says.

“I felt like the cost of everything, from groceries to even my shampoo and conditioner, was going through the roof.

Alex Fengitis, 22, has been ditching her appointments for months.

Booking in things like a blood test or an eye check just kept getting pushed month on month.”

After suffering from headaches and tired eyes due to work, Fengitis finally booked in for a check-up.

“I received two pairs of blue-light glasses from my optometrist, and I went for that blood test I’d been putting off and found that my liver levels were quite high,” she says.

“Now I have to go back in a week or so for another test for safe measure.”

Osana Preventative Health founder and GP Dr Kevin Cheng says the consequences of medical delays can be dire.

“Delaying appointments can mean we miss early signs, diagnosis and treatment, and sometimes end up with people in hospital paying more for procedures and medications or seeing multiple specialists,” he says.

SO WHAT SCREENINGS AND PROCEDURES DO WE NEED?

As we approach the cooler months, Cheng provides his list of check-ups all Australians should have:

All ages: Annual flu shots, skin checks and GP review, regular dental, hearing and eyesight assessments – poor dental health, vision or hearing impairment can lead to malnutrition or problems in school or at work.

Infants through adulthood: Young children and teens should get a general check-up every two to three years to see how they are progressing with physical and mental health, plus screen for any issues at school or at home. Your doctor may check your child’s risk for learning and development challenges and any impediments to growth, healthy nutrition and exercise. Young adults should check their blood pressure and weight every year and cholesterol every five years – more often if there is any family history of heart disease.

In your 50s: Schedule an annual visit with your doctor to get screening tests, including for cancer (breast, prostate, gastrointestinal, cervical and skin) and health check-ups for hearing, weight, metabolism, sleep apnoea, heart disease, arthritis and lung disease (blood pressure, blood tests, biometric measurements and sleep studies).

In your 60s: Continue with semi-annual check-ups, including the additions of pneumonia vaccination and screening for bone-density, cognitive function, musculoskeletal function and any nutritional deficiencies. It’s important during senior years to stay active and socially connected as well.