April 2025, Volume 3, Issue 4

Author

Raju Vaishya, Anupam Sibal, Shreevidya Venkatraman, Sujoy Kar, Sathya R Sriram and Prathap C Reddy

Abstract

Background and Aims: Preventive health checkups (PHC) are crucial in modern healthcare, aimed at early detection of health risks to facilitate timely intervention. This review evaluates the significance and impact of PHC in enhancing individual well-being in light of increasing lifestyle and environmental health risks. Methods: A comprehensive review of current literature on PHC was conducted, analyzing studies related to early disease detection, intervention, and health promotion. Results: PHCs empower individuals by identifying potential health risks before symptoms manifest, enabling proactive lifestyle modifications. The Centre for Disease Control also supports routine preventive measures, correlating them with improved health indicators. Research indicates that annual physical examinations can significantly lower all-cause mortality risk by 45% and improve chronic disease recognition, though some studies did not find a reduction in overall mortality. Factors influencing PHC effectiveness include financial literacy and targeted interventions for high-risk populations. Concerns regarding inappropriate use of PHC exist, with potential issues of over-diagnosis and false results highlighted in the literature. Conclusions: Preventive Health Checkups plays a vital role in early detection of health issues and promotion of overall well-being. While not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle, PHCs can complement healthy habits by providing essential insights. Future public health initiatives should focus on targeted PHC for individuals who stand to benefit most, ensuring that resources are used efficiently and effectively to improve health outcomes.