A Medical Check-Up (MCU) is a comprehensive health examination procedure conducted in a laboratory or hospital. It's vital for everyone, not just for men but also for women. Many people assume that medical check-ups are only for the elderly. However, illness does not discriminate by age, and the principle of prevention being better than cure also applies to young children.

MCUs can be performed from childhood, though it is more recommended from the early twenties. Specifically, for women, it is advised to start examinations after reaching reproductive age, especially for those who are sexually active.

MCUs are crucial even when we feel healthy. The objectives of an MCU are:
- Screening for health issues
- Assessing the risk of future health problems
- Encouraging a healthy lifestyle
- Keeping up to date with vaccinations and disease prevention
- Obtaining more optimal treatment due to early detection.

Many people are afraid or reluctant to undergo medical check-ups for various reasons. The most common is the fear of discovering a health condition that requires treatment or dietary restrictions. However, this is precisely why medical check-ups are important. Detecting signs or symptoms of health problems early increases the chances of recovery.

Regular medical check-ups, at least once every 1-2 years, should be done by everyone from teenagers to the elderly, even if we feel healthy. For instance, the only way to know if we have high blood pressure is through regular checks. High blood sugar and cholesterol levels also do not show symptoms in the early stages. A simple blood test can assess these conditions. There are specific times when we need to undergo health screenings.

Here are the screening guidelines for ages 18-39 according to the US Preventive Services Task Force.

Blood Pressure Screening
Blood pressure should be checked at least once every 3 to 5 years if it's within the normal range (systolic <120 mmHg and diastolic <80 mmHg) and there are no risk factors.

Cholesterol Screening
Cholesterol screening can begin at age 35 for those without coronary heart disease risk factors and at age 20 for those with risk factors. Re-screening can be done every 5 years. Those with an unhealthy lifestyle, diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems, and other diseases may need more frequent checks.

Diabetes Screening
Diabetes screening can start at age 35 and be repeated every 3 years for those without risk factors. Earlier and more frequent screenings are advised if you have a close relative with diabetes, are overweight, have high blood pressure, prediabetes, or a history of heart disease.

Eye Examination
Eye exams should be conducted every 5 – 10 years before age 40. If you have vision problems, evaluations should be done every 2 years or more often.

Infectious Disease Screening
All adults aged 18 – 79 should be screened for hepatitis C at least once. Those aged 15 – 65 should be tested for HIV at least once. Screening for diseases like syphilis, chlamydia, hepatitis B, and other infections should be done for individuals with certain lifestyles and medical histories.

Sources:
- [MedlinePlus](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007464.htm)
- [RSI Jakarta Sukapura](https://www.rsijsukapura.co.id/artikel/item/232-mengapa-penting-anak-muda-medical-check-up)
- [Health Detik](https://health.detik.com/advertorial-news-block/d-5865025/pentingnya-rutin-medical-check-up-sejak-muda-apa-saja)

Author: Dr. Melinda Rambing Kong (Medical Consultant at PRAMITA Clinical Laboratory, Jl. Garuda No. 79 Ruko 4-5 Mahakeret Barat, Manado)