10 health checks you might be overdue for

No matter what stage of life you're in, January is a great chance to take stock of your health and prepare for the year ahead. New year, new you, right? If you want to start 2019 on the right foot, consider booking in for some of these common health checks - especially if it's been a while between visits. You know what's even better (aside from the knowledge of your own health and wellbeing)? If you're an AIA Vitality member, ticking a few of these boxes might just net you a nice AIA Vitality points boost, as well.

We're a nation of sun-lovers, and that carries a degree of risk. According to Melanoma New Zealand, over 4000 Kiwis are diagnosed with melanoma every year - one of the highest incidence rates in the world.

Early detection is key to the treatment of skin cancers, which is why regular checks are so important. You can have them conducted professionally, or with the help of a guide, you can perform them yourself.

AIA Vitality members can also claim 1,000 AIA Vitality points for completing a guided skin self-examination via the AIA Vitality website or app.

Have you been putting off a trip to the dentist? Well, now is a great time to book in for a checkup. In order to keep your smile pearly white, you'll need regular cleanings and oral examinations of your teeth and gums to ensure that all is as it should be.

If you're a member of AIA Vitality, you can earn 1,000 AIA Vitality points annually by going for a general dental check-up. That's one more reason to smile.

Routine cervical screening is necessary to detect and treat cervical cancer in its early stages. Women over the age of 25 should be screened periodically to detect human papillomavirus, a virus that causes changes in the cells of the cervix that can potentially lead to cervical cancer.

As of last year, the cervical screening test replaced the previously used pap test as the preferred method of cervical cancer detection. If you're over 25 and have been tested since December 1, 2017, you won't be due for another screening for five years. If you've been screened prior to December 1, 2017, your next test will be two years from your last - before you move on to a five year testing cycle. However, if you have any concerns, don't wait, talk to your doctor straight away.

It's important to have your blood pressure tested regularly, as high pressure (hypertension) can be indicative of serious health issues. Hypertension increases your risk of heart attacks, stroke, and kidney failure, and doesn't present with noticeable symptoms - making testing the most effective way of detecting the condition.

A GP can check your blood pressure as part of a standard consultation, so don't delay making an appointment.

Blood tests are a useful tool for checking your cholesterol levels. High cholesterol can indicate a range of things, including an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Given that there are no symptoms for high cholesterol, the only way to check if you are within normal range is to have a blood test.

Annual STI screenings are an essential part of personal health. STI rates are on the rise in New Zealand, with instances of syphilis increasing as one example.

It's important to be tested even if you're feeling fine, as certain STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea can be asymptomatic and remain undetected. In such cases, you're putting your partner(s) at risk inadvertently. If you're sexually active, it's recommended that you get tested regularly.

Regular eye testing can catch issues with your vision long before they develop into serious problems. General recommendations by optometrists suggest that you should have your vision tested every two years, unless you're over 60, have diabetes, or suffer from a history of eye problems - in which case you may need more regular check-ups.

If you're an AIA Vitality member, you can earn 1,000 AIA Vitality points each membership year by having your eyes checked by an accredited optometrist or medical practitioner.

The new year is the perfect time to step onto the scales and make a note of your weight. The New Zealand health industry uses the BMI formula (your weight in kilograms divided by your height in metres) to determine a healthy weight range.

The ideal is a score between 18.5-24.9, although this changes depending on a variety of factors - including cultural background, age, pregnancy, and level of athletic activity. More information about your BMI can be found on Healthify's website.

There's a host of different reasons that you might need an immunisation or vaccination. If you work in an industry that could potentially expose you to infectious diseases like healthcare, teaching, or emergency services, you'll need up-to-date immunisations to protect yourself and others.

If you're planning on travelling, you may need vaccinations for diseases like cholera, meningococcal, and rabies. Talk to your GP about where you're planning on going, and what you'll need to be treated for before leaving.

Even if you don't work in an at-risk industry and aren't planning on travelling, you may want to protect yourself against the flu with an annual vaccination. Oh, and AIA Vitality members can earn 1,000 AIA Vitality points each year simply by providing proof of attendance for a flu vaccination.

If you're aged between 60 and 74 you are most likely eligible to take part in the National Bowel Screening Programme. It's an easy at-home sample kit that's sent to you. You can find out more about this publicly funded programme on the Health NZ website.

If you have a family history of bowel cancer, you may need more regular screenings than the general population. Consult with your GP for further information.