In the pursuit of success, the cliché holds true: without good health, every achievement is compromised. Dr. Siame Chido from Kena Health urges everyone to make controlling their health the top resolution for 2024.
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Dr. Siame Chido
Kena Health’s innovative app facilitates easy access to healthcare by connecting users with medical professionals for virtual consultations at affordable rates. This becomes especially crucial in regions striving to enhance the availability of quality healthcare.
Dr. Chido emphasizes the tendency of many to neglect health until it’s too late. Encouraging a shift in mindset, she advocates understanding the basics of health, enabling individuals to actively monitor their well-being and savor life more completely.
To comprehend the signals your body might be sending, Dr. Chido recommends keeping a close watch on blood pressure, a critical indicator of heart health. With over one-third of South African adults contending with high blood pressure, a major contributor to strokes and heart attacks, proactive monitoring is indispensable.
“Too many of us don’t give our health a second thought until there’s a problem and we need a doctor,” she remarks. “By changing that mindset and learning about our health basics, we can monitor our health proactively and ensure that we enjoy our lives to the maximum.”
Dr. Chido provides key tips for interpreting your body’s signals and maintaining good health:
Know Your Health Status:
Doctors prioritize certain assessments, with blood pressure being a crucial indicator of cardiovascular function. High blood pressure affects over one-third of South African adults, contributing significantly to strokes and heart attacks.
Another essential check is for warning signs of diabetes, a disease whose prevalence has doubled in South Africa from 2010 to 2019. Regularly monitor your health status to stay informed.
Weight Management:
Monitoring your weight regularly provides valuable insights into overall health. Given the escalating rates of obesity in South Africa, it’s essential to discuss weight goals with your medical practitioner.
Obesity increases the risk of various health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers, and psychological challenges. Prioritize weight management for a healthier life.
Prioritize Annual Check-ups:
Life is unpredictable, and before your schedule fills up, prioritize annual check-ups. Schedule routine dental check-ups, pap smears, mammograms, and prostate checks for those over 50. Early detection through regular check-ups is crucial for optimal health outcomes.
Lifestyle Changes:
Small lifestyle choices lead to significant changes. Prioritize habits like getting enough sleep, regular exercise, healthy eating, and allocating time for self-care. Connecting with nature serves as a stress reliever, particularly in a country where a significant portion of the population experiences mental health issues.
Exercise Beyond Weight Management:
Exercise is integral to health, and it doesn’t necessarily equate to intense pain and sweat. Aim for a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, each week. Additionally, incorporate two days of weight training, following the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Seek Professional Help Promptly:
In case of symptoms or a decline in physical or mental health, seeking professional medical help is more prudent than attempting self-medication. Delaying treatment can lead to suboptimal outcomes, reinforcing the importance of early intervention.
Dr. Chido concludes by highlighting that these steps, though seemingly small, collectively form a routine that prioritizes well-being, enhancing the likelihood of early problem identification and increasing the chances of a fulfilling, long life.
