Login
Written by:
,

Just as your car needs regular warrant of fitness (WOF) checks, your body benefits from routine health assessments. This guide, written by our partner - Synergy Health - outlines key check-ups for each life stage, with a special focus on functional strength and fitness. Regular assessments help you stay on top of your health, catch potential issues early, and maintain your independence as you age.

How to use this Guide:

  • Review the general assessments applicable to all ages
  • Check the recommendations for your current life stage
  • Use the provided links to access detailed information and resources

Note: This guide is a general reference only. Always consult with healthcare professionals for personalised advice and assessments tailored to your individual needs. Stay proactive about your health. Regular check-ups and fitness assessments are key investments in your long-term well-being and independence.

 

 

General Health Assessments (For all ages)

 

 1. Annual Physical Exams

2. Mental Health Check-ups

3. Dental Check-ups

If you're a Primary Care Extra or #care4U policyholder, you may be eligible for reimbursement of your dental check-ups costs. Check your policy document for more details or you can call UniMed on 0800 600 666.

 

4. Vision Tests

If you're a Primary Care, Primary Care Extra or #care4U policyholder, you may be eligible for reimbursement of your eye test cost. Check your policy document for more details or you can call UniMed on 0800 600 666.

 

Functional Strength and Fitness Assessments

Functional strength and fitness are crucial for maintaining quality of life at any age. We've included some basic assessments here to help you track these important aspects of your health.

1. Muscle Mass Assessment

 

2. Functional Strength Tests

  • Home test: Push-ups, squats, or Get Up test
  • Professional test: Handgrip strength test
  • Frequency: Every 6 months
 

3. Balance Assessments

  • Home test: Single-leg stand time [video]
  • Professional test: Berg Balance Scale
  • Frequency: Every 6 months

VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avS4zutcXBg

 

4. Cardiovascular Fitness Tests

  • Home test: 3-minute step test[video]
  • Professional test: VO2 max test
  • Frequency: Every 6 months
 
 

Tracking Your Functional Fitness

Monitoring your functional fitness over time can provide valuable insights into your overall health:

  • Keep a log of your assessment results
  • Note any significant changes in strength, balance, or endurance
  • Discuss trends with your healthcare provider or a fitness professional

Improvements in functional fitness can indicate effective lifestyle choices, while declines may signal a need for adjustments in your physical activity or nutrition.

 

Life Stage-specific Assessments

CHILDHOOD AND ADOLESCENCE (0-15 YEARS)

•    Developmental screenings
•    Vaccination schedule: NZ Immunisation Schedule
•    Hearing tests
•    Basic motor skills assessment

YOUNG ADULTHOOD (15-30 YEARS)

•    Sexual health screenings
•    Skin cancer/mole map checks
•    Baseline functional strength and fitness assessment

EARLY MIDDLE AGE (30-45 YEARS)

•    Cardiovascular health screenings
•    Diabetes risk assessment
•    Muscle mass and functional strength check

LATE MIDDLE AGE (45-60 YEARS)

•    Colorectal cancer screening
•    Breast cancer screening (for women)
•    Prostate cancer screening (for men)
•    Bone density scans
•    Balance and fall risk assessment

SENIOR YEARS (60-75+ YEARS)

•    Cognitive health assessments
•    Fall risk assessments
•    Osteoporosis screening
•    Comprehensive functional fitness assessment

 

SPECIFIC HEALTH CONDITION ASSESSMENTS

If you have chronic conditions or specific risk factors, additional assessments may be necessary. Consult your healthcare provider for personalised advice.

 
 
To read more articles like this, make sure you Login or Register to  GoodForYou - our Health & Wellbeing Program.  It is available to all HealthCarePlus and UniMed policyholders. And, you can add up to FIVE family members and friends for Free too.

 

Doing more for your wellbeing?

It's good for you

Learn more

 

Synergy_About_02-1-1

Written by: Synergy Health

Synergy Health is the brains behind the GoodForYou platform and is one of New Zealand's top Health and Wellbeing platform providers with over 20 years experience in helping people live healthier happier lives.

 

 

Leave a comment