When was your last check-up?

Victorian Department of Health

GPs usually perform general health checks as part of our routine medical care when we visit them for other reasons. But if you hardly ever visit the GP, it’s worth making time for a check-up once a year.

It is a good idea to visit a doctor regularly, even if you feel healthy. The purpose of these visits is to:

• check for current or emerging medical problems
• assess your risk of future medical issues
• prompt you to maintain a healthy lifestyle
• update vaccinations.

Health checks are usually incorporated into routine medical care. Your doctor will often perform these checks when you are visiting for another condition. Your doctor will then tell you how often you need to have a health check.

Having a health check is also a time to examine your lifestyle to see what improvements can be made. This may be something you regularly do yourself or discuss with a healthcare professional.

For more information on why regular health checks are important, and how to do basic health checks at home, visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/servicesandsupport/regular-health-checks.