Periodic medical check-up is important for your health and safety. Many times, we hear things like “he just died like that”, “she wasn’t sick, she just slept and didn’t wake up”. Is it possible for people to just die like that without cause? And this is not about spiritual causes dear fellow Africans. Are there usually underlying causes which lead to these deaths?
While it is possible for people to die “just like that”, majority of such deaths are due to underlying health concerns. A lot of people are walking around with various health challenges they are ignorant of. When these people are then placed under sudden pressure or unconducive environment, a reaction happens. And this is one of the reasons behind, “she slept and didn’t wake up” or “he slumped and died”. So, when last did you have a medical check-up? Remember, without good health you cannot engage in other pursuits of life.
Medical check-ups are therefore an opportunity to know the true state of your health. Do you have a low blood count? Are you hypertensive? Is your cholesterol level too high? What is your blood sugar level? These are the kind of things you would know after a medical check-up. Knowing the exact status of your health helps you guard it protectively. So, you’re probably thinking but I feel fine, why do I need to do a check-up? Well, the fact you feel fine does not mean you are actually fine. It is only an assessment that can expose the real situation.
Unfortunately, there are just a few jobs that require their staff to conduct periodic medical check-ups. This now leaves other people to do it at their discretion which is a problem because it is rarely done except there is a health issue. And this is not good for overall health because by the time you find out something is wrong it might be too late.
Why then do you need periodic check-ups?
Prevention is better than cure
When you know you are totally fine, you guard your health status jealously. It gives you some control of your life and confidence in your health status. For instance, when I know my blood sugar level is normal, I’d do my best to ensure that it doesn’t change.
Early detection saves life
There are many health concerns that can be sorted when detected early. Most times, it is late detection that leads to pain, suffering and death. But with early detection, you can work with the health professionals to ensure that you get better. Success rates are always higher with early detection. Sometime last year, a colleague went for her check-up and the Doctor discovered her cholesterol level was high. She found it hard to believe because she thought that was an issue for fat people and she on the other hand is slim. This was a learning point for her because the Doctor had to teach her on what leads to high cholesterol and how she can reverse the trend. Today her cholesterol level is back to normal. She also learned it wasn’t about being slim.
Discovery of “Sudden” ailments
Sometimes, lifestyle choices, work environment, geographical location could lead to appearance of “sudden” ailments. So you might have been fine last year but this year your body is presenting new symptoms. Without regular medical check-up you may never know when these conditions start. And knowledge is important in getting to the root cause of ill-health.
Health, they say is wealth. You need your health to function optimally in any sphere. When last did you have a medical check-up? Plan to have one soon.
