Why you should see a doctor even if you're 'feeling healthy'

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Why you should see a doctor even if youre feeling healthy

Many lifestyle diseases can be reversed if detected and corrected early.

by

Asma Ali Zain

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Published: Sun 23 Jun 2019, 12:00 AM

Last updated: Sun 23 Jun 2019, 12:11 PM

When doctors say prevention is better than cure, they mean it is important to seek medical advice even when you are feeling healthy.
Dr Sherbaz Bichu, CEO of Aster Hospitals UAE, said "feeling fine" is subjective. "We see a lot of patients who feel just fine in spite of having high blood pressure or high blood sugars, and both may lead to heart attacks."
Many lifestyle diseases can be reversed if detected and corrected early. And the reminder becomes more important in the UAE, with the country's high prevalence of hypertension, diabetes and hyperlipidemia, he added.
"Men and women above 40 years should visit their healthcare provider regularly, even if one feels healthy. It's very important to screen for medical issues and assess risks for future problems. It also helps encourage a healthy lifestyle," Dr Bichu said.
Dr Suhail Kazim, consultant general surgeon and medical director at Emirates Hospital - Jumeirah, said: "Having regular appointments with your healthcare provider can give you a better understanding of the function of your body.
"A certified medical practitioner can suggest health screenings and tests that can help detect problems at an earlier stage, increasing the probability of getting the right treatment on time," added Dr Kazim.
"Whenever you sign up for a health check-up, your doctor will also discuss your medical history in length and get a good insight into your lifestyle. If high-risk factors are detected, such as a family history of a condition, it is more likely that you have a higher chance to develop a particular disease and, hence, it is only prudent to get checked up and have your health monitored," he said.
Pay attention to your health
These days, people are too busy that they tend to neglect their health and prioritise their work, another doctor said. Dr Saima Naveed, family medicine specialist at Al Zahra Hospital, Sharjah, said: "Even when they feel physically fine, their mental wellness might not be as healthy. This could be a slow-developing process. For example, the collection of sugar for long periods of time can cause diabetes, which can later be associated with other health issues like hypertension, high cholesterol, heart diseases, fatty liver and kidney failure.
"Sometimes, it may be related to the deficiencies of important vitamins and minerals in the body, like Vitamin D, B12, iron, calcium and magnesium, and these can weaken the bones and immune system," she added.
According to Dr Saima, even though many answers can be found on the Internet, 50 per cent of what is posted can either be fake or an opinion of one person alone.
"Going to the doctor can give you a reliable source of information," she said.
asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com


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