By Dr. Paul Kasenene
Many of us judge our health by the way we look and feel. If we are of normal weight and don’t feel sick or have any symptoms, we assume we are healthy. Most people who think they are healthy, unfortunately don’t do as much towards their wellness as those who are already affected by a health or wellness problem. I know many people who are lean or normal weight who eat whatever they want. Sometimes they even eat lots of unhealthy, sugary and processed foods because they feel it doesn’t affect them, or even trying to gain weight. I hope none of us reading this is one such a person. If you are, it is time to change your mindset. Making healthy choices isn’t only for those who are overweight or sick.
The truth is many months and years before overt sickness appears, many people are already struggling with dysfunction in their bodies that doesn’t show outwardly. You can have high blood pressure, an abnormal fat profile, higher than normal blood sugar levels and even low nutrient levels without any sign or symptom. That is why it is important to regularly do a body check-up to assess even the things that aren’t classified as diseases. I recommend that at the very least, once a year, everyone should do the following tests:
• Body composition test. This looks at your weight, body fat
Body Age test. This is a calculated test that looks at the risk for health problems at your current biological age but basing on your body composition. For example, a 40-year- old can have a body age of 30 years which is great but could also have a body age of 70 years old. That means problems that could have come at 70 may start appearing at age 40.
• Blood pressure.
• Fasting blood sugar and HbA1c. These look at your blood
sugar function.
• Lipid profile. Commonly known as a cholesterol test, this
profile can help evaluate your risk for diabetes and heart
disease.
• Vitamin D test. Because many people (about 85%) are
Vitamin D deficient and because it is such an important
vitamin for blood pressure, heart health, hormones,
immunity, bone health, and cancer prevention, we should
all know our Vitamin D levels.
• A complete blood count. This looks at information about your red and white blood cells. Yes, there are many other tests you can do based on your health status, age, sex, occupation, or other factors such as cancer screening, liver function test, uric acid, CRP, kidney function, and more, the ones mentioned above should be done routinely. Get a good healthcare practitioner to help you interpret them and advise you on what other tests you may need to do.
I would therefore, like to encourage you all to go for a health checkup and to encourage you to make a plan to improve your wellness through a healthier lifestyle. It doesn’t have to be expensive or too extensive but get some baseline information about your health. Remember, what makes you healthy is what you proactively do every day. “Take care of your body. It is the only place you have to live” – Jim Rohn Wishing you health and happiness.