5 health checks you shouldn't put off for another day (or year)

This is an age old saying but nothing could be more apt when it comes to your health. By being responsible for your health and wellness through regular preventive screening, you can do the right thing for yourself today and prevent any future health issues from developing further down the line.

With a myriad of preventive screenings available, knowing exactly what to test and how often you should go for screenings, can be quite daunting. As a Discovery Health and Vitality member, such decisions are made easier for you. Readily available to you is a simple Health Check. This is a quick and easy set of basic health screenings that members are covered for annually by the Discovery Health Medical Scheme.

A simple Health Check gives you a snapshot of your current state health

A Health Check also gives you and your family additional cover for select screenings through the WELLTH Fund benefit. This is a once-off, additional risk benefit, offering up to R10 000 per family to understand and address their personal healthcare needs.

Here's more on what you can expect to be covered by the WELLTH Fund as a family.

Comprehensive physical health screening is available in a simple Health Check

Firstly, members who are 18 years and older can complete a Health Check and those younger than 18 years can either complete the Kids Health Check or a Kids Health Review can be done on their behalf.

The Health Check for adults, includes blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol or lipogram tests, a weight or body mass index (BMI) assessment and an optional HIV test. For more accurate results, it is important to fast for at least two hours before your assessment.

Knowing your numbers through the following screenings is instrumental in preventing diseases and keeping your overall health in check:

1. Blood pressure

Checking your blood pressure regularly is key for maintaining good health. High blood pressure (hypertension) is a leading cause of heart disease and strokes and often presents no symptoms until it's too late. A simple, non-invasive test is the easiest way to take control of your health today.

"World Health Organization data show that an estimate of 1.28 billion adults between 30 and 79 years of age have hypertension. What's more concerning is that 46% of these individuals are unaware that they have the condition.

If hypertension is detected early enough, it's usually easy to manage," says Dr Noluthando Nematswerani, Discovery Health's Chief Clinical Officer. "This is why we encourage everyone to go for general health screenings - like a Health Check - at least once a year, where blood pressure measurements and other important, simple, and quick checks can be done."

2. Cholesterol screening

A cholesterol test, which is also known as a lipogram test, is a blood test that measures the different types of cholesterol in your blood. These include high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or good cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol and triglycerides, which are unused calories that have been converted and stored in your fat cells.

Such tests are vital in that they are able to pick up high levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, which can increase your risk of developing heart disease.

By keeping a close watch on your cholesterol levels, you can take the necessary steps to manage your heart health risk by eating a healthier and more balanced diet and exercising more.

3. Blood sugar screening

High blood sugar levels are extremely dangerous as they can lead to many health problems like nerve damage, heart disease and kidney damage. One of the main reasons blood sugar screenings are important is to assess risk for diabetes.

Regular monitoring is also important for the management of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Physicians are able to assess how your eating or even medications are affecting your numbers. Certain medications and dosages, as well as what you eat can have a direct influence on what makes your readings increase or decrease.

By checking your blood sugar regularly, you can make the necessary lifestyle changes to safeguard your health against problems further down the line.

4. BMI assessment

Your BMI (body mass index) measures your body fat percentages based on your weight and height. By regularly checking your BMI and keeping it within a healthy range, you will be able to lower your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other health conditions.

5. HIV screening

A HIV test is an optional inclusion that is covered in your Health Check. The testing process is fast, simple, and highly confidential.

By knowing your HIV status, you can better protect your health and the health of your sexual partner/s by preventing the spread of this virus.

"Early detection also gives you the option of antiretroviral (ARV) treatment which prevents the virus from replicating in your body and gives you the chance to live a long and healthy life," adds Dr Nematswerani.

Your future health is in your hands. So instead of waiting until you feel ill to run the necessary screenings, take the time to get screened at least once a year. By keeping up with your health checks, you will be able to stop potential health concerns in their tracks and live a healthier, more fulfilling life. And that's something that "skipping it" can cost you.

DISCLAIMER