In this article, I want to share insights from a recent episode of “Sharing Life Issues,” where we delved into essential health checks for men, women, and children with Pharm Dianabasi Inyang. Often, people focus on various aspects of their lives, such as finances, spirituality, emotions, and romance, for updates or adjustments. However, health, a crucial aspect, is frequently overlooked, regardless of one’s financial capacity.

Medical professionals on the show have noted that more women tend to seek medical attention than men. However, let’s explore why regular health checks are essential. Pharm. Dianabasi Inyang likened the human body to engines, cars, generators, and devices we regularly service. While we invest time and resources in maintaining our machines, we tend to neglect our bodies, the very tools earning us the funds for these expenses. Many people only visit hospitals or pharmacies when they are already sick, neglecting preventive evaluations, which should be a regular practice.

Voluntarily scheduling annual visits to the hospital helps identify health issues early, facilitating timely intervention and management. Routine health checks also aid in detecting genetic abnormalities and preventing the development of serious illnesses. Now, Let’s explore some of the health checks we all should endeavour to have.

Health Checks for Kids:

It might surprise you that some mothers neglect to take their babies for vaccinations or immunizations. However, for most hospital-born children, scheduled hospital visit dates are provided to mothers or caregivers. These visits allow the general practitioner or pediatrician to monitor the child’s growth, ensuring they meet expected milestones (which vary for each child). During these visits, necessary immunizations are administered.

For hospital-born children, tracking growth is more straightforward due to scheduled checks and considerations for the baby’s body weight. Parents visiting traditional birth attendants should be discouraged from doing so. Babies born outside hospitals might miss the advantage of scheduled visits for immunization and growth evaluation. Parents should make an effort to take these babies to health centers or hospitals for documentation and to address any missed assessments from traditional birth attendants.

Regular health evaluations for children facilitate the detection of genetic disorders, bone formation issues, and defects like eye problems, which can impact a child’s social and academic performance. Dental checks are also crucial for ensuring proper teeth formation and arrangement, preventing children from enduring teasing about their dentition and preserving their self-confidence and esteem.

Health Checks for Men:

Men are often reluctant to visit the hospital, being perceived as strong. Regardless of strength, when it comes to health, it’s essential to take the necessary steps. Some crucial checks for men involve prostate screening, a prevalent issue affecting men. Prostate checks, especially from the age of 40, are vital, and early detection is key. Other important checks include monitoring blood pressure, sugar levels (for diabetes). Men should proactively present themselves for hospital evaluations, considering that many health challenges for men are asymptomatic and may cause significant damage before becoming apparent.

Health Checks for Women:

Women, particularly those of childbearing age, often visit the hospital, especially when pregnant or trying to conceive. This provides an opportunity for some women to undergo evaluations through routine tests. However, it’s important to note that some women only visit the hospital when unwell. Regular health checks are strongly recommended for women, including monitoring high blood pressure, checking for diabetes, and conducting routine breast cancer examinations at home and during doctor’s visits. Women are encouraged, starting from age 25, to undergo cervical screening.

For sexually active individuals….STI & HIV screening with or without a trusted partner is encouraged.

In conclusion, yearly full-body checkups are essential for both men and women, enabling early detection and intervention. Regular health checkups become more critical with age. Let’s promote awareness, educate others, and collectively prioritize routine screenings to prevent silent health threats. Health is wealth we are told a kazillion times, and in 2024 and beyond, make it a resolution to prioritize regular health checkups for a fantabulous and healthy year.

Cheers to a healthy 2024!

Written by Maris ‘Damaris’ Iloka.

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