Most people only visit a doctor when something feels wrong. But many of the biggest health risks develop quietly, without pain or noticeable symptoms. That is why doctors recommend having a routine health assessment every year, even if you feel healthy.
Conditions such as high blood pressure, high blood sugar and high cholesterol often go undetected for years. During that time, they can slowly increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
In South Africa, hypertension is one of the leading causes of heart disease and stroke. According to the World Health Organization, around 1.4 billion adults worldwide between the ages of 30 and 79 live with hypertension. In South Africa, nearly 76% of people under 40 with the condition do not know they have it because it usually has no symptoms.
The same applies to pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Changes in the body can begin years before a diagnosis is made. Many people are unaware they have the condition until complications appear.
However, if detected early, lifestyle changes can often help prevent or delay serious illness. Health experts say early detection gives people the chance to manage their health before problems become more severe.
What happens during a health risk assessment?
A health risk assessment (HRA) is a simple screening that usually takes about 20 minutes. During the assessment, healthcare providers check:
- • Blood pressure
- • Blood glucose levels
- • Cholesterol levels
- • Body mass index (BMI)
- • HIV status
The assessment does not provide a full diagnosis, but it helps identify possible health risks early and gives people important information about their overall health.
Making use of existing medical aid benefits
Many medical aid members already have access to preventative health screenings through their plans, but these benefits are often not used.
Medshield Medical Scheme includes annual HRAs as part of its Wellness Benefit across all benefit options.
Depending on age and plan type, members may also qualify for screenings such as:
- • Mammograms from age 30
- • PSA screenings for men from age 40
- • Diabetic eye screenings
- • Pap smears
- • TB screenings
- • Childhood vaccinations
These screenings are designed to detect conditions early, especially illnesses that may not show symptoms in the beginning.
Why early checks matter
Health professionals say the people most likely to skip routine screenings are often busy individuals who feel healthy and believe there is no immediate need for a checkup.
However, many serious conditions can only be detected through testing. An annual health assessment can provide early warning signs and help people take action before long-term complications develop.
Image credit: Magnific/stefamerpik
