Feeling healthy is reassuring, but it does not always mean everything is healthy beneath the surface.
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Many conditions, including high blood pressure, diabetes and HIV, can develop without obvious symptoms. That is why routine health checks remain an important part of staying well.
In South Africa, this is particularly relevant. The National Department of Health recommends screening for conditions such as hypertension and elevated blood glucose as part of primary healthcare.
What can a health check uncover?
A simple visit to a clinic, GP or other healthcare professional may include checking your blood pressure, blood glucose, weight and other cardiovascular risk factors.
High blood pressure, which can often have no noticeable symptoms, yet untreated hypertension can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems. South Africa’s Department of Health promotes screening and early management of hypertension at the primary healthcare level.
Health checks can also provide an opportunity to discuss HIV testing and TB screening. South Africa’s national HIV testing policy emphasises identifying HIV early and linking people to appropriate prevention, treatment and support services.
The Knowledge Hub says TB remains one of the important public health priorities, with the Department of Health’s current End TB Plan continuing to strengthen screening and integration of TB services into primary healthcare.
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Prevention is better than waiting for symptoms
One of the misconceptions people have is that you only need to visit a healthcare professional when something feels wrong. But a health check is not necessarily about finding something wrong—it is about understanding your current health risks and identifying problems early, when they may be easier to manage.
For the majority of South Africans, that can mean making use of services available through public clinics, community-based healthcare programmes or private healthcare providers, depending on the circumstances.
The Department of Health’s Adult Primary Care approach is designed to provide integrated care for adults, including screening and management of chronic conditions, HIV, TB and mental health.
Although “I feel fine” is a good starting point, it is not a medical check-up.
Knowing your numbers, understanding your risk factors and keeping up with appropriate screening can help you take action before a silent health problem becomes serious. A health check is not about expecting bad news. It is about giving yourself the best chance to stay healthy.
Also see: The wellness shift: How South Africans are rethinking health
Featured image: Pexels/Pavel Danilyuk
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