As we transition into the warmer months in New Zealand, it’s essential to stay on top of your health. Home health tests offer a convenient and discreet way to monitor your well-being, helping you catch potential issues early or manage existing conditions effectively. Below, we outline some key tests you might want to consider this season, along with other useful options that could come in handy depending on your specific health needs.
Bowel Screening Test
Why it’s important now: Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in New Zealand, and regular screening is essential for early detection. If you’re aged 50 or over, taking a bowel screening test is vital, especially if you haven’t done so recently. The fast-approaching New Year provides an excellent opportunity to reset your health habits and catch potential issues before they develop further.
When to use it: Ideally, bowel screening should be done every two years from the age of 50, or more frequently if you have a family history of bowel cancer or symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain, or changes in bowel habits.
Ferritin – Iron Deficiency Test
Why it’s important now: Iron deficiency can cause fatigue, dizziness, and poor immunity. Summer activities can drain your energy, and if you find yourself feeling unusually tired, checking your iron levels could reveal an underlying issue.
When to use it: If you’re experiencing unexplained fatigue, shortness of breath, or frequent infections, testing your ferritin levels could be beneficial. Women, in particular, should monitor their iron levels due to menstruation.
Vitamin D Deficiency Test
Why it’s important now: While New Zealand benefits from ample sunlight, modern indoor lifestyles mean many people still experience Vitamin D deficiency. Adequate Vitamin D levels are essential for bone health and immune function, making it particularly important to check your Vitamin D levels during the summer, especially if you spend a lot of time indoors or use sunscreen regularly.
When to use it: If you have low energy levels, muscle weakness, or feel generally unwell, checking for Vitamin D deficiency could be insightful.
Ovulation and Fertility Tests
Why they’re important now: If you’re trying to conceive, monitoring your ovulation and fertility levels during the warmer months can be a good idea. Both tests can provide insight into your most fertile days, giving you better control over your family planning.
When to use them: These tests are particularly useful if you’re planning pregnancy and need to know your ovulation cycle or potential fertility levels.
Menopause Test
Why it’s important now: For women approaching the menopausal age, monitoring your hormonal levels can help you better understand where you stand in the menopause journey, allowing for timely medical support if needed.
When to use it: Use a menopause test if you’re experiencing symptoms like hot flushes, irregular periods, or mood swings to confirm whether you’re entering menopause.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Test
Why it’s important now: Summer often means more time outdoors and less control over bathroom access, which can sometimes increase the risk of UTIs. A home UTI test can provide a quick and reliable diagnosis if you experience discomfort or symptoms like burning during urination.
When to use it: If you’re feeling the onset of UTI symptoms like pain while urinating, urgency, or abdominal discomfort, testing yourself immediately can help you take action quickly.
Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Test
Why it’s important now: Sexual health is always important, and the summer months might bring more social interactions. If you’re sexually active and haven’t been tested recently, it’s crucial to ensure you’re STI-free, especially as some infections can be asymptomatic.
When to use it: Testing is essential if you’ve recently changed partners or are experiencing unusual symptoms.
Home health tests offer a convenient way to stay on top of your health as we enter the warmer months. From bowel cancer screening to checking your levels, there’s a wide range of options available here at Smith Biomed. By incorporating these tests into your routine, you can take a proactive approach to your health this season.