Healthplus With Dr Hanna (MBBS, MRCS): New Year New You

 

Don’t wait to be sick, prevention is always better and cheaper than cure.

Your New Year resolution regarding your health should be:

 

1. REGISTER WITH A FAMILY DOCTOR

There are many family practitioners in Nigeria now. Look out for a good hospital preferably close to you and register with them. You need to at least visit them twice this year not because you are sick but for your general checkups. Depending on your age, sex, family history of any illnesses and if you have a chronic health issue, you will need to carry out various tests just to make sure you are OK.

 

2. KNOW YOUR RESTING BLOOD PRESSURE

I have discussed Hypertension as a topic in my earlier article. Remember Hypertension affects all major organs in the body and it can be symptoms free till it strikes calamity.

 

3. DO A REGULAR BLOOD TEST

The regular blood tests I will advise are Kidney Function Test, Liver Function Test, Lipid Profile, Fasting Glucose Test and Thyroid Function Test. 

The above you can do twice yearly but if you have certain illnesses you may have to do those more often example a diabetic should do all the test every 2-3 months together with other specific diabetic tests the doctor will proscribe, there are many other tests to be done based on your comorbidity or illness and or medications you are taking.

 

4. DO A CERVICAL SMEAR TEST IF FEMALE

Cervical cancer or cancer of the cervix (neck of the womb) is very common and its symptoms may go unnoticed. In UK, GP or family practitioners invite all women from 25 years and above registered under them for this test. Below is who and how often it is done.

 

Aged 25 to 49 – every three years 

Aged 50 to 64 – every five years 

Over 65 – only women who haven't been screened since age 50 or those who have recently had abnormal tests

 

5. DO A BREAST SCREENING

This Breast screening requires one to do what is called a mammogram which is a special X-ray of the breast and is done for women aged 47-73. It is done every 3 years.

 If you have a mother or a sister with breast cancer or 2 or more relatives with same and you are not up 47 years go see a breast surgeon and get checked up.

This should never take the place of your regular breast self-examination. You need to examine your breast regularly (monthly) and see a doctor if you notice any lump, change in size of breast, any indrawn nipple or discharge form nipple.

 

6. DO A PSA TEST

This is done by men to rule out prostate cancer.

 

Routinely screening all men to check their prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels is a controversial subject in the international medical community.

 

In some countries, all men aged over 50 are recommended to have an annual PSA test. Because it’s a very common killer cancer amongst the blacks I am in favour of doing this blood test yearly if you are above 50.

 

I have discussed prostate cancer in an earlier article. Do find it and read it.

 

7. TAKE MALARIAL PROPHYLAXIS

There are many malarial prophylaxis available. Go see your doctor and get one for yourself. Sleep under a mosquito net and keep your environment clean.

 

8. YEARLY DENTAL VISIT

This is very important and can save life.

 

The above mentioned are just the basics and the most important of them all is to be registered with a good family practitioner. You can take the above mentioned test to your doctor and do those that are applicable to you.

 

Car owners do take their cars for servicing to avoid engine damage, same should be done to humans. The more you look after yourself the more likelihood diseases will be discovered and treated or manage early.

 

Share this knowledge with friends, families, work mate, acquaintances. Chances are you just saved a life by doing so and anyone that saves a life is WISE. 

 

Thanks, see you next week.