In the busy city life, Li Ming (not his real name) is one of many. As a 45-year-old mid-level staff member, his life is full of work pressures and family responsibilities. Recently, Li Ming began to notice that his physical strength was not as good as before, the small stairs made him out of breath, and his sleep at night began to be disturbed frequently. Friends and colleagues have suggested that it was time for a comprehensive medical check-up.
However, when Li Ming stood in front of the physical examination center of the general hospital, he was shocked by the dazzling array of physical examination items in front of him. From basic blood routines to high-end whole-body magnetic resonance imaging, from essential electrocardiograms to high-tech-sounding genetic testing, each one seems essential to health. Li Ming pondered: Which of these tests did he really need, and how could he make the wisest choice within a limited budget and time?
At the recommendation of a friend, Li Ming began to read popular science articles about physical examination items, hoping to find the answer. A sentence from the article caught his attention: "When choosing a medical check-up item, there is no one-size-fits-all standard, and the most important thing is to understand your physical condition and needs." This sentence was like a bright lamp, illuminating Li Ming's confused heart.
As the protagonist walks into the busy hospital, his/her brows are tightly knit and his heart is full of doubts. Posters on the walls show a variety of health check-up packages, from basic check-ups to advanced screenings, each of which seems to assert its importance. The protagonist begins to recall the content of popular science articles, trying to find direction in this massive amount of information.
The first thing that catches your eye is a blood test, which provides information about blood counts, diabetes risk, and cholesterol levels. The doctor explained that for most people, this is a basic test that must be done because it can detect some common health problems early. The protagonist nods, making it a mandatory check.
This was followed by an electrocardiogram and a chest X-ray. Despite the fact that these checks are very useful in specific situations, the protagonist remembers that it is mentioned in the article that not everyone needs to have them on a regular basis. After discussing their family medical history and personal symptoms with their doctor, they decided to skip this part unless significant heart symptoms appear in the future.
However, when it comes to the cancer screening program, the protagonist's anxiety rises again. Colonoscopy, mammograms, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests – each comes with different risks and benefits. Some experts recommend regular screening for early detection of cancer, while others warn that over-testing can lead to unnecessary anxiety and treatment. The protagonist is confused and doesn't know what to choose.
At this moment, an old doctor walks over and notices the protagonist's hesitation. He patiently explained that choosing a check-up should not be a blind thing, but should be based on an individual's health history, family medical history, and lifestyle risks. The old doctor advises the protagonist to undergo a genetic screening to better understand his cancer risk and thus make more targeted choices.
The protagonist begins to realize that scientific selection is more important than a simple comprehensive examination. He/she took note of the doctor's advice and decided to go home and think further. In the evening, the protagonist sits in front of the computer, comparing different physical examination items and expert opinions, trying to find a personalized plan that suits him.
As the protagonist learns more about the various physical examination items, he gradually feels stressed and confused. With the help of his doctor and friends, he began to realize that not all tests are suitable for everyone, but need to be considered based on factors such as an individual's health status, family medical history, lifestyle, and age. But just as he was about to make his decision, a sudden family health event forced him to revisit his choice.
This incident is that his relative is hospitalized with a heart attack, which shocks the protagonist deeply. Relatives who usually appear healthy ignore some of the warning signs in the medical check-up. This situation exacerbates the protagonist's anxiety about choosing the right medical check-up item. He began to question whether there would be a similar risk if he had neglected certain projects.
At the height of the conflict, the protagonist decides to go for a more in-depth consultation. He met with a senior family doctor to discuss his health, family history and Xi in detail. The doctor patiently listened to his concerns and provided professional advice based on his personal circumstances. Doctors emphasize that there is no one-size-fits-all check-up and that the best course of action is to tailor a check-up plan to the individual's specific situation.
Doctors specifically mention that routine blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol testing, and basic tests such as electrocardiogram (ECG) are necessary for most people because they can detect potential health problems early. However, for some specific tests, such as whole-body bone scans or genetic tests, more careful consideration is required. Doctors also use data to illustrate the importance of different tests, for example, studies have shown that regular cholesterol testing can greatly reduce the risk of heart disease.
After careful consideration, the protagonist finally developed a medical examination plan that suits him. In the process, he learned a lot about how to evaluate the importance and necessity of the physical examination program, and also realized the importance of individualized medical examination.