And finally a new week begins. We are back to normal programming! Last week was all sorts; ‘Valentine’s Day’ week must be the most pretentious all through the year! People going beyond their means to surprise/please their lover/spouse/friend with benefit.
While I have nothing against those who believe in idolising the day and concept, I respect those who are truly in love and show it irrespective of season! And by show it, I mean, respect, care for, cater to and stay faithful to their partners.
That being said, I still look forward to the babies that’ll arrive between October and December; I’ll be ready with my knowing look for the parents. You can be sure they are products of Occupy Nigeria stay home and valentine’s week!
Moving on...
Now that the lover’s day celebrations have winded up and the chocolate/cake boxes are empty, how many of you have made plans to get yourselves checked for the first quarter? No one? *smh*
It’s more likely that people worry about the possibility of adding one dress size or more after all the merriment without even taking into consideration the effect on their health. It’s no longer news that people who are seemingly happy and fit can collapse during the least stressful activity and consequently pass on, why then do we pay more attention to our fashion statement and bank statement while our health takes the back bench?
When last did you get yourself examined? Blood pressure, blood sugar, dental checks, and for you in Nigeria, malaria, typhoid? Do you conclude you’re fit just because you multitask; combining work, education and home making? Do you even know that your exercise regime, no matter how strictly you adhere to it doesn’t preclude you from certain ailments?
Ladies, have you ever done a Mammography? Or do you find such process intrusive to your privacy? In that case do you do the monthly physical examination? Do you know that exercising may help you keep in shape; but it doesn’t reduce your blood sugar level?
Medical doctors advice that certain tests be taken quarterly, half yearly and others yearly from a particular age. They say it’s important to also identify ailments that are hereditary in one’s family and begin to guide against them early. An example of such is diabetes and hypertension.
If there’s any ailment one or more relations from the generation(s) before you are battling, it would only be wise to have yourself checked. You may come out with a clean bill of health and then embark on the journey of prevention; if not, you’re better off knowing and managing it before it gets out of hand.
Cost is one major reason people shy away from these tests, however, they really do not cost an arm and a leg. Most companies have HMO plans for their employees; don’t just decorate your wallet/purse with the card. Plan a visit to the hospital, get checked, ask questions and start living healthy.
Go a step further, make friends with doctors (they are everywhere, even on twitter), eat right, exercise and do not forget, when it comes to your life and health, all the wealth you’re working so hard to amass would mean nothing if you drop dead or become incapacitated.
WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR WELL BEING, DO NOT COMPROMISE!
N.B: if you’re a medical practitioner or dietician and you’ll like to do a guest post on healthy living, please send an email to the.pet.projects@gmail.com
