Plateau physical examination: protect health, prevention first

Author: Yu Feifei, attending physician of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy Special Medical Center

Reviewer: Xie Yi, deputy chief physician of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy Special Medical Center

Due to its unique geographical environment and climatic conditions, such as high altitude, lack of oxygen, large temperature difference between day and night, strong ultraviolet radiation, etc., the plateau area faces health challenges that are completely different from those in the plains. Therefore, regular health examinations are particularly important in the plateau area, which not only helps to detect and prevent health problems unique to the plateau at an early stage, but also significantly improves the overall health level of residents.

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▶Early detection of diseases

Compared with people living in the plains, plateau residents are more likely to suffer from environment-related diseases such as high-altitude heart disease, high-altitude pulmonary edema, hypertension and insomnia. Regular health check-ups can detect these potential health risks in a timely manner, allowing treatment to be started as early as possible, thereby reducing the long-term damage of the disease to the body.

▶Preventing altitude sickness

People who live in the plateau for a long time may encounter challenges in adapting to extreme environments such as low pressure, low oxygen, and high cold. Regular health check-ups can identify those who have not yet fully adapted to the plateau environment, provide them with necessary medical guidance and intervention, and help them better adapt to life in the plateau.

▶Health management

Due to geographical restrictions, it may be difficult for residents in plateau areas to access regular medical services. Health check-ups provide a platform for regular assessment of their health status, allowing them to adjust their lifestyle and eating habits based on the results of the check-up and achieve effective management of their personal health.

▶ Improve health awareness

Through health check-ups, residents can pay more attention to their own health and enhance their health awareness. This increased awareness will encourage residents to adopt a more active lifestyle, such as increasing physical exercise and improving eating habits, thereby reducing the incidence of diseases.

▶Reduce medical costs

Early detection and treatment of diseases can significantly reduce the high medical expenses caused by late-stage treatment of diseases. This is a valuable economic saving for individuals, plateau regions and even the entire society.

▶ Improve the quality of life

A healthy body is the foundation for a better quality of life. Health checkups help residents stay healthy, which indirectly improves their work efficiency and overall quality of life.

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In summary, health check-ups are of great significance for improving the health level of plateau residents, preventing diseases and reducing medical costs. Regular health check-ups can provide better health protection for residents in plateau areas.