He is busy, he is a workaholic, he is constantly on his toes and keeps a tab on each member of the family. From the start of the day, until late evenings, he hardly ever relaxes, and yet, seems to be in the pink of his health. But in the midst of all his duties and family time, somewhere down the line he tends to ignore those off and on cold and coughs, backaches, chest pains and blood pressure fluctuations, which if ignored for long, can turn into bigger problems later on in life. And then is all the work stress, worth it, if it takes a toll over his health?

Well, it’s high time our dads looked at their health alongside their business and work, and maintained a balance. Especially after the age of 50 as has been found, bodily functions start slowing down, causing myriad health problems. And as our dads won’t voluntarily go for health checkups, it is pertinent, that they be taken by us, even if it takes away an hour or two of their “precious” time at work, because at the end of the day, there can be no compromising with health.

Below is the list of the most essential tests that would judge your father’s health and physical fitness. These tests are to be taken by all those who are above the age of fifty, independent of the presence of any ailment or disease.

Important Health Checkups

* CBC – ESR Test

Complete Blood Count (CBC) test diagnosis a patient for anemia, infections or other medical conditions.

How is the test conducted: The test is conducted by taking a sample of blood from the patient’s arm by a needle. CBC test doesn’t require any test preparations. Moderate pain after drawing the blood is normal.

Erithrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) test is used to find out any condition related to inflammation in the body. It is always done with other tests, as only ESR test doesn’t help in finding out the proper cause of the problem. It helps in finding out diseases like T.B, thyroid problems, anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatic fever and other inflammatory conditions.

How the test is conducted: The test is conducted by taking a sample of blood from the person’s arm by a needle. Moderate pain after drawing the blood is normal. Just like the CBC test, ESR test doesn’t require any test preparations.

* Lipid Profile Test

Lipid profile test is a group of tests that are done together with blood test and these examine the risk of heart attack, stroke and hardening of arteries. The lipid profile includes total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides. People who have low levels of high density lipoprotein, suffer from diabetes, hypertension and are at high risk of developing heart diseases.

How is the test conducted: A person needs to fast for at least for 9 to 12 hours before the test. The test is conducted by taking a sample of blood from the person’s arm by a needle. Moderate pain after drawing the blood is normal.

* Blood Sugar Test

This is done to mainly check the sugar levels in the blood. High blood sugar can give rise to problems like diabetes, nerve damage, kidney problem, cardio vascular diseases and eye problems along with the weakening of immune system. It is very important test for people suffering from diabetes, so that they keep a tab on their blood sugar level.

How is the test conducted: The person is asked to fast overnight. The test is conducted by taking a sample of blood from the person’s arm by a needle. One more blood sample is taken after lunch, to check the blood sugar level before and after fasting. If blood sugar level before fasting is less than 110mg/dl and post fasting levels is less than 130 mg/dl then it indicates that the person is a non diabetic and the blood sugar level is normal.

* Kidney Tests

Kidneys help to separate toxins, minerals and waste products from the blood. People with diabetes and high blood pressure are at a high risk of developing kidney problems. In the kidney tests, blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine and creatinine in blood and urine levels are checked which are responsible for proper functioning of the kidney. Your doctor might ask you to stop medication if you are taking any medicines so as to get the correct results from the test.

How is the test conducted? In the kidney test various tests are conducted, blood and urine samples are taken to find out how the kidneys are functioning. The test is conducted by taking a sample of blood from the person’s arm by a needle and for the urine test, the person is asked to give his urine sample. Kidney tests help in diagnosis of conditions like kidney failure, liver failure, dehydration etc.

* Liver Tests

In liver tests, the liver enzymes levels of Serum Glutamic-Pyruvic Transaminase, Gamma-Glutamyl Transpeptidase, Serum bilirubin, Alkaline phosphate and Serum protein are checked which can lead to early diagnosis of various diseases.

How is the test conducted? No special preparation is needed for this test. The test is conducted by taking a sample of blood from the person’s arm by a needle to perform various tests. Liver tests help you in knowing if you are suffering from any disease of the liver.

* ECG Test

In electrocardiogram test, electrical activity of the heart beat is recorded. This test helps to

check the overall health of the heart.

How is the test conducted? A person has to remove his clothes and lie down on the bed. Various electrodes are attached to the body on various standardized locations. Some medications can affect the result of the test; hence it is necessary to inform the doctor about the medication. ECG test helps in finding out the heart rhythms, to find out if the blood flow to the heart is proper and if any damage is caused to the heart muscles etc.

* PSA Test

Prostate Specific Antigen test helps in diagnosis of the proper functioning of the prostate. It also helps in detecting the cancer of the prostate gland which tends to enlarge in old age.

How is the test conducted? The test is conducted by taking a sample of blood from the person’s arm by a needle. The test displays the levels of prostate specific antigen in one’s blood.

Besides the tests mentioned above, there are other tests that must be carried out for particular ailments the patient may be suffering from.

Also,

* Your dad needs to visit a dentist at least once every six months.

* Also, he needs to be taken to an ENT if there is something that is irritating him either in the nose or the ear or the throat.

* And a regular eye check- up is advisable.

So for once let him occupy the centre stage and give him the attention he deserves. Regular health checkups will ensure that your father remains the pillar of the family.