Stay one step ahead

Prevention really is better than cure which is why an annual health check can pay back in dividends

By Dina Gavarieva

New Year’s resolutions can be a great motivator to get people to lead healthier lives, but good intentions often fly out of the window once the holidays are over, so why not book a health check and find out what your body really needs from you in 2024.

In a world where chronic disease is on the rise, an annual check-up can serve as a crucial line of defence, one that allows you to make the right decisions to maintain health and well-being. If you do one thing for yourself this year, make it this, because regular screenings can detect potential health issues before they become serious.

There are a number of tests and examinations to assess overall health, and one of the most common is blood tests.

Useful blood tests include Complete Blood Panel, diabetes screening, thyroid, liver and kidney function, blood coagulation, homocysteine, electrolytes, total protein, hormones, vitamins, inflammation markers, and iron values.

Regular blood pressure measurements are also advisable because high blood pressure often presents with no symptoms, which is why it is known as ‘the silent killer,’ and it can lead to serious conditions such as heart attacks, stroke and kidney disease. Again, early detection is crucial to prevention.

Another important test for assessing the risk of heart attack is the full lipid panel including cholesterol and triglycerides, and annual check-ups should also be scheduled to assess liver and kidney function.

As weight issues are usually uppermost on people’s minds after the holiday season, a Body Mass Index (BMI) assessment will reveal whether you are in fact underweight, overweight or obese, and it will give your practitioner a chance to explain any weight-related health risks and how to avert them.

Other tests that might be worth looking into include an Organic Acids Test (OAT). This urine test reveals any problems with metabolism, nutrient deficiencies, detoxification pathways, yeast and bacterial overgrowths, among other issues. An OAT test is especially valuable for anyone suffering from autoimmune disorders, fatigue, mood swings and skin issues.

Likewise, a Hair Mineral Analysis Test can reveal mineral deficiencies or the level of toxic metals in the body, all of which can be useful in helping you decide what supplements and dietary changes you need to make.

While health check-ups are a good idea for everyone, they become increasingly advisable for anyone over 40, especially if there are predisposing factors such as a family history of certain diseases.

The importance of an annual health assessment cannot be overstated as a powerful tool in the fight against illness and disease. By detecting problems early, they offer the best chance for effective treatment and can significantly improve long-term health outcomes. As the saying goes, ‘prevention is better than cure.’

So, even if you can’t stick to your New Year resolutions, do make this one investment in your health, if only for your own peace of mind.

 

Dina Gavarieva is a qualified naturopath practising at Neomed Institute and Medical Centre, Limassol

 

 

Eat yourself better

One of the easiest ways to help yourself in 2024 is to not help yourself to bad food.

Good nutrition is the foundation stone upon which good health is built, so eliminate everything from your diet that is linked to aching joints and premature ageing such as processed foods, refined sugars, dairy products, artificial sweeteners and gluten.

It sounds tough, I know, but there are many delicious, healthy foods out there to get you feeling and looking your best.

Cabbage, watercress and beets are great for your complexion and tired-looking eyes. Coriander helps to remove heavy metals that enlarge fat cells, increasing the appearance of cellulite. Parsley and citrus fruits have similar anti-cellulite effects, and walnuts are filled with omega-3s that improve skin barrier function.

 

Turn off, tune in

One of the health trends expected to go big in 2024 is the digital detox.

A digital detox involves temporarily stepping away from all tech devices, including smartphones, televisions, computers, tablets and social media sites.

According to reports, the average adult spends 11 hours a day listening to, watching, reading or interacting with social media, even though heavy technology use has been linked to sleep problems, depression and increased stress levels.

While it won’t always be possible to completely disconnect, experts advise setting limits on tech use to improve mental well-being.

Ways to do this include: switching off at mealtimes or an hour before bedtime; and digital fasting whereby you give up all digital devices for a short period, such as a day or a week.

 

Food Watch

Cyprus is famous for its sun-kissed lemon trees and huge watermelons, but the island is home to a variety of tasty, vitamin-packed fruit, such as the pomelo.

Pomelos are the sweeter, and far larger, relative of the grapefruit, and they are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, all of which can help prevent and reverse cellular damage caused by free radicals.

Containing 412 per cent of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C, the humble pomelo is an immunity-boosting powerhouse packed with several antioxidant compounds including naringenin and naringin.

A great source of potassium, which helps regulate fluid balance and blood pressure, the pomelo also contains protein, fibre, and the anti-inflammatory antioxidant lycopene.

Antioxidants, including vitamin C, can help prevent skin damage caused by harmful free radicals, helping you stay younger looking for longer!