Why Regular Checkups Are Important for Your Health in 2024 

I know you’re eager to get to the point. But first, let me tell you a story about Chinedu, who lives in the heart of Lagos, amidst the bustling streets of Ikeja. Chinedu is a typical Lagosian: ambitious, always on the move, and with a schedule tighter than gridlock on Third Mainland Bridge during rush hour. His life mantra? “No time to waste time.” So certainly, no time for boring routine check-ups. 

Each day, Chinedu zips through his tasks – from his tech job in Victoria Island to his side hustle in Surulere, barely catching a breather. His friends often joke, “Nedu, you’re a machine o!” And he takes pride in that. To him, hospitals are for the visibly sick. Why visit a doctor when there’s nothing wrong? After all, he feels fine, drinks his ‘agbo’ regularly, and the occasional headache is nothing a ‘Panadol’ can’t fix. 

But one fine evening, as Chinedu finally slows down to enjoy a football match at his favorite local joint, something feels off. His heart begins to race like he is sprinting for a Danfo bus, and his vision blurs as if he were looking through a rain-soaked windshield. The cheers for the winning goal fade into a distant echo as he slumps onto the table.  
 
What do you think happened to Chinedu? Your guess is as good as mine, and you know, even you could be a Chinedu. Wondering how? Keep reading. 

The Dangers of Neglecting Regular Checkups 

Chinedu’s story is not uncommon in our fast-paced Nigerian life. We often neglect regular health checkups, brushing them off as unnecessary – until our bodies sound the alarm, sometimes too late. Let’s break down why skipping those doctor visits is a life & death gamble with our health.  

• The Silent Whispers of Illness: Like Chinedu, many of us wait for loud symptoms before we rush to the clinic. However, numerous health conditions, particularly those common in Nigeria like hypertension and diabetes, whisper before they scream. Regular checkups catch these whispers early, giving you a fighting chance. 
   
  Take, for instance, hypertension, widely known as the ‘silent killer’. It’s a condition that creeps in with no dramatic symptoms but silently damages your body, particularly your heart and blood vessels. In Nigeria, where our diet is rich in starchy and fatty foods, the prevalence of hypertension is notably high. Yet, many walk around unknowingly with elevated blood pressure levels, because hypertension whispers softly. It’s only during a routine check-up that this whisper can be detected and addressed before it leads to more serious complications like heart attacks or strokes. 
   
  Similarly, diabetes, another common whisperer, creeps up quietly. It’s a condition that’s alarmingly on the rise in Nigeria, partly due to dietary habits and increasing sedentary lifestyles. The DMS Journal on Health rightly states that while unhealthy dietary habits and sedentary lifestyles can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, many other factors such as genetics, age, and ethnicity, can contribute to the development of the disease.  Early stages of diabetes often don’t cause any symptoms or they’re so mild that they go unnoticed. This is dangerous because, without management, diabetes can lead to severe health issues like kidney failure, vision loss, and heart disease. Regular blood sugar tests during checkups can catch these early signs, allowing for timely intervention and management. 
   
  These silent whispers extend to many other conditions too, like high cholesterol, which lacks obvious symptoms but can lead to clogged arteries, or certain types of cancers that are more treatable when caught early. These conditions are like termites, eating away at the foundation of our health silently until the structure crumbles visibly. 
   
  So, why wait for the loud cries of health emergencies? Regular check-ups serve as a fine-tuned stethoscope to catch these silent whispers. They are not just a formality but an essential part of your healthcare regimen. By detecting issues early, you’re not just saving yourself from future health crises; but also giving yourself the chance to live a fuller, healthier life. 
   
• The Eye-Opening Realities of a Check-Up: A check-up is more than just chatting up your family doctor. It’s a comprehensive look under your skin. Blood tests, blood pressure checks, and more offer insights into your health’s dashboard. Ignorance might be bliss, but in health matters, what you don’t know can hurt you… BADLY. Sometimes you might be unable to come back from such hurt. 
   
  Consider blood tests, for example. They are not just routine procedures but vital tools that give clues about numerous health conditions. Blood tests can uncover early signs of liver or kidney dysfunction, electrolyte imbalances, or even unsuspected infections. They can reveal truths about your blood sugar levels, indicating pre-diabetes or diabetes, conditions increasingly prevalent in Nigeria due to diets and lifestyles. 
   
  Moreover, checkups often include screenings that many of us would not consider unless prompted by a health professional. For instance, cholesterol level checks are crucial for understanding the risk of heart diseases, especially in middle-aged and older adults. In women, cervical and breast screenings are critical for the early detection of cancers, which can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes. 
   
  The truth is, each element of a check-up, from blood tests to physical examinations, is a piece of a larger puzzle. When put together, they provide a comprehensive picture of your health status – a dashboard that indicates if everything is running smoothly or if there are issues that need attention. 
   
• The Cost of “I Feel Fine”: In Nigeria, where most healthcare expenses are often paid out-of-pocket, the phrase “I feel fine” can carry a hefty price tag. Many of us tend to equate feeling fine with being in good health, but this assumption overlooks a critical aspect of healthcare – prevention. You might want to read THIS.
   
  Regular checkups are akin to regular maintenance for your body, similar to how you would service your car to avoid a sudden breakdown. In the long run, these checkups can actually be cost saving. Consider the financial impact of treating chronic diseases like diabetes or hypertension, which, when undiagnosed or untreated, can lead to severe complications requiring expensive interventions. The cost of managing these complications far exceeds the expense of routine monitoring and early management, don’t you think? You might want to check this out too – The Importance of Routine Medical Checkups: Prevention is better than cure! 
   
  Furthermore, consider the indirect costs associated with poor health management. Lost workdays, decreased productivity, and the emotional toll of dealing with a serious illness not only affect the individual but also their family and the broader community. In a country where the extended family often plays a role in healthcare support, one person’s health issue can have a ripple effect on the entire family’s financial stability. Trust me, you don’t want this. 
   
  The idea of “saving now, spending later” when it comes to health is a risky gamble. The cost of “I feel fine” is not just monetary; it’s about the quality of life. Neglecting regular checkups can lead to a scenario where one is forced to spend significant resources and time addressing health issues that could have been easily managed or even prevented. 
   
  In essence, regular check-ups should be viewed as an investment in one’s health capital. Just as we invest in education, housing, and business for future returns, investing in health check-ups is investing in a future of wellness. This approach is especially crucial in a country like Nigeria, where the healthcare system faces various challenges, and prevention remains the most practical and cost-effective health strategy for individuals. 
   
  So, the next time you think “I feel fine” and consider skipping that health checkup, remember the broader implications. Investing a little today in preventive healthcare can save you a lot tomorrow, both financially and in terms of your overall well-being. 
   
• Your Health, Your Wealth: In our Nigerian hustle culture, health often takes a backseat. But remember, to hustle effectively, your health must agree. Regular check-ups ensure you’re not just surviving but thriving. 
   
  Think of regular health check-ups as the fuel that keeps your engine running smoothly. In the hustle and bustle of cities like Lagos, Abuja, or Port Harcourt, where stress, pollution, and fast food are part of everyday life, our bodies are constantly put to the test. Regular checkups act as a diagnostic tool, ensuring that everything is functioning optimally. They are not just about detecting illnesses; they are also about maintaining your overall wellness and vitality. 
   
  Moreover, in a culture that often equates busyness with productivity, it’s easy to ignore the signs your body is sending you. Fatigue, minor aches, and occasional discomforts are often brushed off as mere byproducts of hard work. However, these could be early warning signs that your body needs attention. By prioritizing regular checkups, you are allowing yourself to address potential issues before they escalate into major health problems that could significantly derail your hustle. 
   
  Remember, in the quest to achieve our dreams and aspirations, our health is the most reliable partner we have. It’s the foundation upon which all other successes are built. By making regular check-ups a non-negotiable part of your routine, you’re ensuring that you’re not just surviving the Nigerian hustle but thriving through it. 

Let’s Wrap It Up 

Chinedu’s wake-up call is a lesson for us all. Our health is our wealth, and regular check-ups are its guardians. Don’t wait for a health scare before you act. Cloud Clinic understands the rhythm of the average Nigerian life and offers accessible, convenient health check-ups that fit even the busiest schedules while at our homes, offices, or on the go. It’s time to rewrite the narrative from “Who cares?” to “I care for my health.” 

Don’t be a Chinedu. Take control of your health journey today. Book your routine check-up on the EBAL MEDICAL CLINIC app and steer your health story towards a happier ending. Got questions? We’ve got you. Use the comment box below and we’ll respond to you as promptly as possible.