5 Health Screenings Every Tamil Canadian Adult Should Have
Preventive care is the cornerstone of good health. Here are the five essential health screenings our team recommends for every adult in the Tamil Canadian community.
Preventive Care Saves Lives
The Tamil Canadian community, like many South Asian populations, has a higher-than-average risk of certain health conditions — including Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers. The good news is that early detection through regular screening significantly improves outcomes for all of these conditions.
As family physicians serving the Tamil Canadian community, our team at Dr. Kavitha Sivarajah Family Clinic recommends the following five screenings for every adult patient.
1. Diabetes Screening (HbA1c Blood Test)
South Asians develop Type 2 diabetes at lower BMI thresholds and at younger ages than the general Canadian population. We recommend HbA1c testing from age 35, or earlier if you have a family history of diabetes. The test requires a simple blood draw and results are available within 24 hours.
2. Blood Pressure Check
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is often called the "silent killer" because it presents no symptoms until serious damage has occurred. Get your blood pressure checked at every doctor's visit. If you have not had a check in over a year, book one today.
3. Cholesterol Panel (Lipid Profile)
High LDL cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. All adults should have a full lipid panel done by age 40. If you have risk factors — smoking, diabetes, obesity, family history — testing should begin earlier.
4. Colorectal Cancer Screening
Ontario's ColonCancerCheck programme offers free colorectal cancer screening for adults aged 50–74. Ask your doctor for a FIT kit (fecal immunochemical test) or discuss colonoscopy options if you have a family history.
5. Vision and Dental Examination
Both vision and dental health have systemic implications beyond the obvious. Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of preventable blindness, and poor dental health is linked to cardiovascular disease. Adults should have an eye exam every two years and a dental check-up every six months.
Book Your Preventive Care Visit
Our clinic welcomes new patients. Contact us through the Tamil Canadians platform to book an appointment. We offer evening and Saturday slots for working patients.