When was the last time you had a proper health check?
Life gets busy in work, family, and everything in between. It’s easy to forget about looking after yourself. But your health shouldn’t take a backseat. Just like your car needs regular servicing to keep running smoothly, your body needs regular check-ups to stay in good shape.
That’s where regular health checks come in.
At Iluka Medical Centre, we believe prevention is better than cure. Thus, we’re here to help you stay on top of your health in a warm, caring, and affordable environment, because looking after yourself should never feel like a chore.
What Are Health Checks?
A health check is like a routine check-up or health assessment of your body. It’s a medical appointment focused on spotting any signs of illness or health risks before they become serious.
Think of it as a yearly tune-up—your doctor may look over your medical history, do a physical exam, and run some basic tests depending on your needs.
So, Why Health Assessment is Important?
Catch Problems Early
Health checks help detect issues before symptoms show up. Like high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol issues, or even early mental health concerns before they affect your quality of life. The earlier something is spotted, the easier it usually is to treat.
Stay Ahead with Preventative Care
Your doctor can help guide you on diet, exercise, and other lifestyle habits to prevent future health issues.
Personalised Health Planning
No two people are the same. A health assessment allows your doctor to tailor advice and care specifically for you and your risk factors.
These checks are often part of your regular GP visits. Even if you’re seeing your doctor for another reason. Depending on your age, lifestyle, and medical history, your doctor will let you know how often you should come in for a check.
If needed, we can refer you to our in-house dietitians, psychologists, or podiatrists, all part of your ongoing healthcare.
Now that you know why health checks matter, let’s take a closer look at the different types of regular health assessments and how each one helps you stay on top of your wellbeing.
Preventative Health Checks | Health Assessments in Perth You Should Know About
Below are some of the most important health checks, their frequency, and why they matter:
1. Blood Pressure Checks
High blood pressure (hypertension) affects around 1 in 3 or roughly 34% Australian adults. And many people don’t even know they have it. It’s one of the leading causes of heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage.
All adults aged 18 and over should have their blood pressure checked at least once a year, and even more frequently if you’re at higher risk. Such as if you smoke, are overweight, or have a family history of high blood pressure.
At Iluka Medical Centre, we offer easy and regular checks to help detect and manage your blood pressure early, before it becomes a bigger issue.
2. Skin Checks
Australia has the highest skin cancer rate all over the world. About 2 in 3 Australians are likely to be diagnosed with skin cancer before reaching their 70s.
Adults of all ages, mostly those with fair skin or high sun exposure, should have a full skin check every 12 months. We, at Iluka Medical Centre, provide full body skin and mole checks with experienced professionals who know what to look for.
3. Diabetes Screening
More than 1.3 million Australians are living with diagnosed diabetes. And many more may be undiagnosed. It’s important to get tested every 1 to 3 years, depending on your personal risk. Especially, if:
- you’re 40 or older
- you have risk factors like being overweight
- you have a family history of diabetes
- you belong to a high-risk ethnic group
In particular, Australians aged 40–49 are encouraged to complete a Type 2 Diabetes Risk Evaluation. At Iluka Medical Centre, our general health assessments include simple blood sugar checks to catch signs of diabetes early.
4. Cardiovascular Risk Assessment
Cardiovascular disease is the leading death cause in Australia. It’s responsible for nearly 1 in 4 deaths each year.
Adults aged 45 to 79 should speak with their GP about getting their heart health checked every 2 years. We look at cholesterol, blood pressure, and lifestyle factors to help prevent heart attacks before they happen.
5. Cholesterol Testing
High cholesterol doesn’t have obvious symptoms. But it can quietly increase your risk of stroke or heart attack.
Everyone aged 45 and over, or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals from 35, should have their cholesterol tested every 5 years. Get more frequent if you already have risk factors. Come to us as we perform simple cholesterol blood tests and help you understand what your results mean.
6. Kidney Disease Checks
Around 1 in 10 Australian adults shows signs of chronic kidney disease, and most don’t even know it.
People over 50, and those with health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease, must get checked every 1 to 2 years. At Iluka Medical Centre, we offer urine and blood tests to catch kidney issues early and help you take steps to prevent further damage.
7. Cervical Screening Test
Cervical cancer is almost totally preventable with regular screening. The introduction of the HPV test has made detection even more accurate.
All women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 74 years must have a cervical screening test every 5 years, as long as their previous result was normal.
8. Breast Cancer Screening
Every day, around 58 Australians are diagnosed with breast cancer. It’s the most common cancer affecting women in the country. It’s making up about 28% of all new cancer cases among Australian women.
In 2024 alone, it’s expected that over 21,000 people will be diagnosed, including 20,973 women and 221 men. The lifetime risk of having breast cancer is 1 in 7 for women & 1 in 556 for men.
To catch it early, women aged 50 to 74 are strongly encouraged to have a mammogram every 2 years.
At Iluka Medical Centre, we’re here to support you every step of the way. We can help organise your breast screening referrals and offer compassionate counselling to guide you through your health journey with care and understanding.
9. Bowel Cancer Screening
Bowel cancer is the 2nd most common cancer in Australia. But when detected early, it’s highly treatable.
Adults aged 45 to 74 years should complete a bowel cancer screening test every 2 years, using a simple home test kit that checks for hidden blood in the stool.
10. Bone Health Checks
As we age, our bones naturally become weaker which makes osteoporosis a common concern for both men and women. A bone density test is a simple yet effective way to check how strong your bones are and assess your risk of fractures.
It’s generally recommended that adults over the age of 50 speak to their doctor about whether they need a bone density test. Especially if they have risk factors like a family history of osteoporosis or previous fractures.
11. Mental Health Checks
Research predicted that nearly 1 in 2, approximately 42.9% of Australians between the ages of 16 to 85 will be facing a mental health condition in their lifetime. Sadly, many go untreated.
Whether it’s anxiety, stress, depression, or substance use, having a conversation with your GP can be the first step toward support. At Iluka Medical Centre, we provide a safe space to talk and affordable access to qualified Perth-based psychologists.
12. Sexual Health Checks
Most sexually transmitted infections (STIs) don’t show symptoms. That is why regular testing is so important. Especially if you have new or multiple partners.
13. Men’s Health Checks
Many men put their health last. But a quick check-up can make a big difference.
Men of all ages should check in with their GP for tailored advice on heart health, prostate issues, testosterone levels, testicular screening, fertility, mental health, and sexual wellbeing.
14. Women’s Health Assessments
Women’s health goes beyond the basics. From cervical screening and breast health to menopause, menstruation, and fertility support, your GP can help you manage each stage of life.
15. Prolonged Health Assessments (Perth)
If you’re aged 45–49 years, or 75 and older, you can benefit from a full, extended health assessment.
This thorough 60-minute check includes tests for:
- cholesterol
- blood sugar
- kidney
- liver function
- blood pressure
- mental health
- vision
- hearing
- lung function
- lifestyle habits
At Iluka Medical Centre, our health assessments help uncover early signs of illness. So, you can take action early and stay independent longer.
Health Checks by Age: What You Need to Know
Different age groups require different types of health care. These age-based health checks help us catch conditions early and keep your health on track.
1. Immunisation Reviews (All Ages)
If you’re unsure about your or your child’s immunisation status, it’s important to double-check. Missed doses or outdated vaccines can leave you unprotected.
At Iluka Medical Centre, our doctors can review your records, identify any gaps, and advise on boosters or catch-up vaccinations. Staying up to date is a simple step toward better long-term health.
2. The Mid-Life Health Check (45–49 Years Old)
This age group is where many chronic diseases begin to emerge silently. That’s why the Australian government funds a dedicated health assessment for people aged 45–49.
Our comprehensive health assessment looks at your risk factors for heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, & mental health concerns. It’s a proactive check-in to help you stay ahead of future complications.
This health check may include:
- lifestyle and family medical history review
- blood pressure and weight monitoring
- diabetes and cholesterol screening
- mental health support
3. Free Annual Health Assessments (75+ Years Old)
Once you reach 75, Medicare offers a free, annual health assessment to ensure you’re living safely and independently. In this holistic approach, doctors assess:
- your ability to manage daily tasks
- vision and hearing
- risk of falls or injury
- memory and mental wellness
- medication safety
These detailed executive health assessments can take up to an hour and are an excellent way to catch small issues before they become bigger concerns.
How Often Should You Get a Health Check?
It depends on your age, lifestyle, family history, and current health. Here’s a general guide:
| Age Group | Recommended Health Check Frequency | Important Notes |
| 18–30 years | Every 2–3 years | If you’re healthy with no known risks |
| 30–50 years | Every 1–2 years | Check more often if you have risk factors like smoking or family history |
| 50+ years | Annually | Regular yearly checks help detect age-related health issues early |
| Any age (with chronic conditions or risk factors) | As advised by your GP | May require more frequent health checks and monitoring |
Note: if you have a chronic condition or risk factors, more regular health checks are recommended.
Remember, you don’t have to feel sick to take your health seriously!
Stay Ahead of Illness | Book Your Health Check with Iluka Medical Centre Today
Your future health starts with one small step, for yourself and the people who count on you.
We are committed to providing comprehensive medicals in Perth that are thorough, compassionate, and personalised to your individual needs. Our team of experienced healthcare providers offers a range of medical services; including executive health assessments and affordable counselling in Perth.
So, Start Prioritising Your Health Today
