Essential health screening for the new year: A fresh start for your health

As the new year begins, many of us think about resolutions—whether it's committing to a healthier diet, starting a fitness routine, or perhaps learning a new skill. But amid the excitement of personal goals, one aspect of life often gets overlooked: our health. New Year is an ideal time to give your wellbeing a thorough check-up, and health screenings play a vital role in ensuring that your body is operating at its best.

The importance of regular health screenings¹

In the fast-paced world we live in, it’s easy to forget about the smaller health issues that quietly build up over time. That’s where health screenings come in. These proactive checks are designed to detect potential health issues early, even before symptoms arise, giving you the best chance of preventing more serious conditions in the future.

Take, for example, heart disease. According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. However, many people don’t know they are at risk until it’s too late. A cholesterol test, blood pressure measurement, and an ECG (electrocardiogram) are basic screenings that can highlight issues before they cause serious harm.

Similarly, with rising rates of diabetes, especially in urban areas, monitoring blood sugar levels can help catch the disease early, preventing complications like nerve damage, kidney failure, or vision loss. If diabetes runs in your family, or if you have other risk factors, screening for the condition can make a world of difference in how well you manage your health in the years to come.

Key health screenings for the new year

While there are countless types of health screenings available, here are some of the most important ones to consider for a well-rounded approach to health.

Table 1. Age-specific health screening tests recommended for the general population²

Age group	Disease	Screening Test	Frequency
18 years and above	Obesity	Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist circumference	Once a year
18 years and above	Hypertension (high blood pressure)	Blood pressure measurement	Once every 2 years or more frequently if recommended by doctor
40 years and above	Diabetes Mellitus	Fasting blood glucose or HbA1c	Once every 3 years or more frequently if recommended by doctor
40 years and above	Hyperlipidaemia (high blood cholesterol)	Fasting or non-fasting cholesterol profile	Once every 3 years or more frequently if recommended by doctor
50 years and above	Colorectal cancer	Occult Blood Immunological (Stool Test for blood)	Once a year
50 years and above	Colorectal cancer	Colonoscopy	Once every 10 years
Women aged 25–29 years (who have had sexual intercourse)	Cervical cancer	Pap Smear	Once every 3 years
Women aged 30 years and above (who have had sexual intercourse)	Cervical cancer	Human Papillomavirus (HPV) DNA Test	Once every 5 years
Women aged 50–69 years	Breast cancer	Mammogram	Once every 2 years

Blood pressure check
One of the simplest yet most critical screenings you can have is for blood pressure. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is often called the "silent killer" because it typically doesn't have any obvious symptoms but can lead to heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. Regular monitoring is crucial, especially as you age or if you have a family history of hypertension.

Cholesterol levels
Having your cholesterol levels tested is another key screening that shouldn’t be overlooked. Cholesterol is necessary for your body to function, but too much of it can build up in your arteries, causing them to narrow and increasing your risk of heart disease. A simple blood test can measure both your total cholesterol and the different types—LDL (bad cholesterol) and HDL (good cholesterol), and triglycerides, which are fats in your blood. High triglycerides, often due to poor diet or lack of exercise, can increase heart disease risk.

DID YOU KNOW?
Cholesterol is produced by the liver and can also come from the foods you eat. That’s why maintaining a balanced diet and limiting foods high in saturated fats is crucial for heart health.

Cancer screenings
Depending on your age, gender, and family history, cancer screenings can be lifesaving. For example, breast cancer screenings through mammograms or self-exams should be part of a woman's regular health checks starting in her 40s. Men over 50 should talk to their doctor about prostate cancer screening, while everyone is encouraged to stay on top of skin checks for unusual moles that could signal skin cancer. Regular pap smears and HPV testing for women and colonoscopies for men and women in their 50s (or earlier if at risk) can help catch cancers early when they are most treatable.

Diabetes screening
If you are overweight, inactive, or have a family history of diabetes, screening for blood sugar levels can help you catch diabetes before it develops into something more serious. An A1c test, which measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months, can give doctors a clear picture of whether you're at risk for diabetes or pre-diabetes.

DID YOU KNOW?
In Singapore, nearly one in three adults is at risk of developing diabetes. Regular screening can identify risk factors early, leading to better management of the condition.

	Vision and hearing tests Our eyes and ears tend to decline gradually with age, and many people don’t notice until problems become more severe. Getting regular eye and hearing tests, particularly if you’re over 40, helps catch issues like glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration, all of which are more treatable when detected early.
	Mental health check-ins In addition to physical health, mental health is just as important. Anxiety, depression, and stress are prevalent, especially in today's fast-paced environment. Speaking to a healthcare provider about your mental wellbeing can help identify signs of mental health disorders and guide you toward appropriate support or treatment.

DID YOU KNOW?
Studies show that mental health issues often go undiagnosed because people are embarrassed or afraid to seek help. A mental health screening can make all the difference.

Genetic testing and screenings (BRCA genes)

As genetics plays an increasing role in identifying predispositions to certain health conditions, genetic testing has become an important tool for some people, particularly for identifying risks related to certain types of cancer. Testing for BRCA mutations, for example, can help determine a person’s risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer. If you have a family history of certain cancers or genetic disorders, it's worth considering a consultation with a genetic counsellor.

Save money in the long run

While screenings might seem like an added expense, catching health issues early can actually save money in the long run. Early detection means less expensive and invasive treatments compared to addressing more advanced stages of disease.

How to make health screenings part of your routine

Now that you’re aware of the vital health screenings you should be having, the next step is making them part of your yearly routine. It’s easy to put off screenings, especially when life gets busy, but scheduling them early in the year—just like setting a resolution—can set the tone for a healthier year ahead.

It helps to find a healthcare provider you trust, someone who can guide you through your screening process and help you interpret the results. Your doctor can also suggest additional tests depending on your personal and family health history, ensuring that nothing is overlooked.

As you embrace the new year, think of health screenings as an investment in yourself—an investment that pays dividends in quality of life, longevity, and peace of mind. Start strong, and ensure that you’re not just adding years to your life, but also life to your years.

Maximising insurance benefits

Health insurance often covers preventive screenings at no extra cost, but it’s essential to know the specifics of your plan. Many policies cover annual check-ups, and some even cover colonoscopies or mammograms as part of preventive care. Ensure that you are aware of which screenings are included, and use these benefits fully.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to your insurance provider or doctor to confirm what is covered. Scheduling preventive care early in the year can also help you avoid year-end deadlines when coverage might reset.

DID YOU KNOW?
In Singapore, critical illnesses like colorectal and breast cancer,³ diabetes, hypertension,⁴ and chronic kidney disease⁵ often go undiagnosed due to a lack of regular health screenings. These conditions usually remain unnoticed until they reach advanced stages, making early detection crucial for timely treatment and prevention of complications.

AIA Singapore addresses this issue through various programmes, partnerships, and product innovations to improve access to health screenings. Recognising the high cost of check-ups as a barrier, AIA has made screenings more accessible and affordable. Since 2019, AIA has introduced early detection benefits with the AIA Max VitalHealth A add-on under AIA HealthShield Gold Max A, offering complimentary colonoscopies for customers aged 50 and above and mammograms for women aged 40 and above.

AIA also collaborates exclusively with WhiteCoat to provide on-demand telemedicine services, allowing insured members to access care from home. In addition, discounted rates for home-based health screenings make regular monitoring easier and more affordable.

To encourage screenings, AIA incentivises individuals through the AIA Vitality programme, which uses digital technology and gamification to motivate healthier lifestyles. Members earn Vitality points for completing screenings, vaccinations, and staying active, which help unlock rewards like insurance discounts, gym memberships, and fitness devices. This has led to notable health improvements, with 64% of members showing improved blood glucose levels and 46% improving their blood pressure by November 2024.

AIA also introduced AIA Health360, a solution combining financial planning with preventive healthcare, providing consumers with tools to take charge of their health and ensuring financial security for the future.

AIA Singapore
Instagram: @AIASingapore

We hope you found this article insightful and thought-provoking. At Healthful, we are always eager to hear from healthcare professionals, patients, and communities who are making a difference. If you have an interesting story, groundbreaking research, or a unique perspective that you’d like to share, we’d love to connect with you! Please reach out to us at [email protected].

References

The Importance of Regular Health Screening in Singapore. SATA CommHealth. Available at: https://www.sata.com.sg/importance-of-regular-health-screening-singapore/.
A Beginner’s Guide to Health Screenings. Parkway Shenton. Available at: https://www.parkwayshenton.com.sg/health-plus/article/health-screening-guide.
Turning the tide on chronic kidney disease. National University Hospital. Available at: https://www.nuh.com.sg/health-resources/newsletter/envisioninghealth---changing-lives-one-idea-at-a-time/turning-the-tide-on-chronic-kidney-disease.
Colorectal Cancer. National University Hospital. Available at: https://www.nuh.com.sg/health-resources/diseases-and-conditions/colorectal-cancer.
Breast Cancer. SingHealth. Available at: https://www.singhealth.com.sg/patient-care/conditions-treatments/breast-cancer.

Healthful is a digital media publisher dedicated to providing informative content about health and wellness. It is important to note that Healthful does not provide professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For personalised health concerns or before initiating any treatment plan, it is essential to consult with your healthcare provider. Stay informed, stay healthful for you.

Related Topic
Health Insurance, Health Resolutions, Health Screening

The importance of regular health screenings¹