The start of a new year often brings renewed intention, such as clean eating, fitness goals, and better balance. Yet, for many women, personal health still takes a back seat to family, work, and daily
responsibilities. Doctors say this brief pause between years presents a valuable opportunity to check in with the body, identify silent risks, and shift from reactive healthcare to prevention. Rather than overwhelming testing, experts agree that a focused, well-planned health assessment can provide meaningful insight and long-term reassurance.
Understanding What’s Happening Inside The Body
Dr. Balakrishna G K, HOD & Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine at Gleneagles BGS Hospital, preventive health does not require an exhaustive list of investigations. “You don’t need dozens of tests. A small, well-chosen set can give a very clear picture of where the body stands and help catch concerns early,” he explains.
He recommends beginning with a complete blood count and basic metabolic tests, noting that these can quietly flag issues related to the blood, liver, and kidneys long before symptoms show up. Blood pressure monitoring and a basic cardiac assessment are equally important. “Many women assume heart disease is a later-life concern, but early checks often reveal risks that are easy to correct if caught in time,” Dr. Balakrishna adds.
Thyroid testing, he says, is particularly relevant for women experiencing fatigue, unexplained weight changes, or persistent low energy. Bone health is another area that is often overlooked. “Early thinning of bones can start silently and progress over years,” he cautions, stressing the importance of early screening. He also strongly advises checking iron and vitamin D levels, pointing out that deficiencies are extremely common and can impact immunity, energy, and overall resilience.
Key Screenings Every Woman Should Prioritise
Expanding the preventive lens, Dr. Manjula Anagani, Padmashree Awardee and Clinical Director, Robotic Gynaecologist & HOD at CARE Hospitals, Hyderabad, emphasises gender-specific screenings. “Preventive care is not just about following a routine; it’s about understanding your body and staying ahead of potential problems,” she says.
She highlights cervical screening as essential. “A Pap smear helps pick up early changes before they turn into something serious,” Dr. Manjula explains. Breast health, too, should never be delayed. “A breast exam helps notice unusual changes early, and imaging can detect concerns at a very treatable stage,” she adds.
Ultrasound evaluations, including pelvic scans, kidney and bladder assessments, offer deeper insight into uterine, ovarian, and urinary health. “These tests help assess issues such as endometrial thickness, ovarian health, and bladder function,” she notes. A full blood panel is also crucial to assess thyroid function, vitamin status, and metabolic health, while monitoring blood sugar and cholesterol is increasingly important due to rising lifestyle-related risks.
Why Lifestyle Still Matters
Both experts stress that tests alone are not enough. Dr. Balakrishna points out that health checks offer clarity, but outcomes improve when paired with sensible eating, regular movement, adequate rest, and stress control. Dr. Manjula echoes this, saying that good lifestyle habits make your health checkups more meaningful and effective.
Starting the year with preventive health checks is not about fear or over-medicalisation. It is about awareness, early action, and informed decision-making. By identifying risks early and supporting results with healthy habits, women can create a strong foundation for long-term well-being.
