This medium is aimed at creating awareness and preventive measures regarding health issues especially concerning child, maternal and sexual health.

Apr 30, 2016

WHEN DID YOU LAST “SERVICE” YOUR HEALTH?

“On average, each day longer you live, the longer you are likely to live, yet the closer to dying you become” (YES YOU!) #borrowed.

We are constantly (and religiously too) taking care of OUR THINGS (servicing our cars, generator sets, air conditioners, fuel jerrycans, amongst many other things). However, when was the last time YOU thought to SERVICE your health? When was the last time you checked if your heart, kidneys, liver, lungs (YOUR LIFE ENGINES BASICALLY) are in order?

Okay, okay despair NOT! This post will equip you with the knowledge you need to maintain your health. I will be highlighting the health checks across all ages that you can incessantly bug your GP about. (This is totally legit by the way; I’m talking USPSTF, WHO stuff)-USPSTF (United States Preventative Service Task Force), WHO (World Health Organisation).

Please note that while these recommendations are evidence based, they are generalized and you may require an individualized plan, kindly see your GP about your INDIVIDUALIZED HEALTH CHECKS.

So, WHO should have WHAT done and WHEN?

AGES 18–39

*You know the “bad fat” that clog up the arteries and cause heart attacks and brain strokes. ** shorter intervals for those with risk factors (eg, diabetes millions, family history of cardiovascular diseases) or lipid levels close to those who need treatment.

AGES 40–49 WITH EMPHASIS ON BREAST CANCER AND LIPID SCREENING
Kindly note the recommendations outlined above where relevant

ADA- American Diabetes Association
*To check for cervical cancer
**Men having sex with men, unprotected sex with multiple partners, injection recreational drug use, sex workers, history of sex with partners who are (HIV+, bisexual, injection recreational drug user), history of STI.

AGES 50–59
Kindly note the recommendations outlined above where relevant

*** In adults aged 55 to 80 years who have a 30 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years. Screening should be discontinued once a person has not smoked for 15 years or develops a health problem that substantially limits life expectancy or the ability or willingness to have curative lung surgery.

AGES 60–74
Kindly the note the recommendations outlined above where relevant

*as explained for ages 50–74 years above
**FLP**- fasting lipid profile; **AAA**- abdominal aortic aneurysm

FUN FACT: It’s “World Immunization Week” YAY!!! (that’s the last week of April every year BTW)(eheem geek moment) and putting this in mind I have decided to leave you with some freebie info about Adult Immunization (i.e those shots you need to have in order to avoid the preventable diseases);YES adults need them too.

*health care workers, international travel to certain countries, men who have sex with men, recreational drug USERS.
**human papilloma virus vaccine (prevents against cervical cancer)
***vaccine against chickenpox

Enjoy this colorful video from the World Health Organisation about the need for Immunization.

HEALTH IS WEALTH.

Stay healthy folks.