Frequently asked questions (about health assessments)
What are the assessments like?
You complete a detailed questionnaire, then you have a check which may include urine and blood tests. Finally we help you set a small number of realistic goals to try and achieve improvements in your health over the next 12 months.
Why should I have a health assessment?
Our health assessments are wellness checks. If you need help to get a clear focus on how you can make yourself healthy, or need a “push” to get moving and help yourself, then these will help you.
At what age should we start having health assessments?
You can benefit at any age. The checks are tailored at different age groups to we focus on different issues at different ages, and therefore the benefits may change.
How do your assessments differ to a medical with my GP?
The assessments done at Life Clinic cover areas that your GP may not cover. We aim to identify areas which if left unattended, may lead to health problems in future. Most often, GP consultations are aimed at addressing a current problem, and there is often not time to look at your health holistically.
How long do the assessments take?
They take between 20 minutes and 2 hours depending on the assessment chosen.
What are the blood tests for?
Laboratory-based blood tests are included in some of our assessments. Our standard blood test profile includes: cholesterol (lipids), triglyceride (fat), glucose, kidney and liver function, haemoglobin and thyroid function (for women over 45 years old) and PSA (prostate specific antigen) in men over 45 years.
I'm unfit at the moment. Shouldn’t I wait till I get a bit fitter?
Now is the time to be tested. The report you receive will give you guidelines for exercise and lifestyle changes and a base line for improvement.
Shall I come if I have a cold?
Yes, if you have a mild cold this should not affect your results.
What about if I have a bad back?
A bad back will not affect your basic assessment. We will leave out any test that will affect your back.
Shall I fast before the assessment?
Only if you will be having a fasting blood test, and we will advise you on that beforehand.
Are the questionnaire results confidential?
Yes.
Can the results be sent to my GP?
Yes, if you want them to be.
Will my employer see my assessment results?
No. Your results are confidential.
What is the testing based on?
All of our assessments have been developed by medical professionals – using extensive medical experience, and the best international research about what factors are most important for long-term health.