Why You Should Take Advantage of Free Health Screenings

Free health screenings have become readily available in recent years, yet few people take advantage of them. Everyone from hospitals to pharmacies routinely offer complimentary health screenings, which are a simple and affordable preventive measure against life-threatening diseases. In this post, we’ll discuss what typical health screenings entail and why you should take advantage of them whenever possible.

Detection & Prevention

The most lethal and insidious diseases in America are usually the so-called “silent killers” because their symptoms are often undetected by the sufferer. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even diabetes can be difficult to detect without formal testing. Every single one of these diseases, however, can be detected in a typical free health screening that only lasts about 15 minutes. When it comes to diseases like these, early detection of risk factors and proper lifestyle management can make all the difference. In fact, early identification of risk and lifestyle changes can reduce the development of diabetes by 58% and the development of heart disease by 80%. In many ways, then, one free health screening could help save your life. Moreover, a free screening is a cheaper alternative than a visit to your healthcare provider, which will lower your health insurance costs.

What They Entail

The most basic free screenings usually will check your blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose levels, and body mass index. Depending on how intensive the screening is, you may also receive:

• Dental checks and oral cancer screenings
• Mental health screenings
• HIV tests
• Glaucoma screenings
• Breathing tests
• Bone density tests
• Hearing tests

Who Offers Free Screenings

Free health screenings are typically offered by organizations affiliated with the healthcare industry, such as hospitals, clinics, or pharmacies. However, more and more employers are also offering free health screenings to their employees. Here is a list of groups that commonly sponsor complimentary health screenings:

• Pharmacies
• Hospitals
• Public health departments
• Corporations
• Family planning clinics
• Colleges and universities