When you have done the first check up, you may be surprised to know of your weight issues (bad BMI), bad sugar levels (early diabetes), high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterols and triglycerides (risk for heart diseases), and even cancer problems. This is where you get professional advises and interventions put into place, so while you can continue living, you are sure your health has been given certain priority. If any serious problems are identified, interventions can be done right away before any major complications have occurred. – Dr. SYockopua. MEDICAL CHECKS ARE CRUCIAL "Do not wait till it is too late" by Dr. Sam Yockopua A disease does not just happen, it is as a result of ongoing cascade of processes that eventually overwhelms the normal defensive capabilities and abilities, so you fall prey to it and become sick as a result. A car needs service because by the time it breaks down, it is as a result of a long series of problems that it finally arrived at a breakdown, similar to the disease process. Only a thorough meticulous medical check by way of history taking to identify risk factors, physical check on the body to look for clues, tests to look for evidence of ongoing problems can then identify where you are and provide earlier interventions. You may not show any symptoms of diseases, but early detection of risks and anomalies can result in early interventions and controls so there is a better outcome and avoid serious complications. Certain chronic diseases like diabetes, heart diseases including hypertension (high blood pressure) and cancers take time to develop and involve other organs. Just like wear and tear in a car which causes breakdown, many factors contribute to wear and tear in the human body, especially when you have passed 40 years old. It should bother you instantly if you add various risk factors on top of it: smoking, chewing betelnut, alcohol intake, positive family history (of cancers, stroke, heart attack, diabetes), less physical activities, and so forth. You must deliberately do medical checks, then get it done at least every 2 years, or if you can, do it annually. When you have done the first check up, you may be surprised to know of your weight issues (bad BMI), bad sugar levels (early diabetes), high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterols and triglycerides (risk for heart diseases), and even cancer problems. This is where you get professional advises and interventions put into place, so while you can continue living, you are sure your health has been given certain priority. If any serious problems are identified, interventions can be done right away before any major complications have occurred. 2023 should be about promoting one’s own health irrespective of who you are. We should all be health conscious, and if we all have to announce our New Year Resolutions, it should be health-oriented and less of money, business, politics or other activities. At least 2023 must be year of health for all, for all Papua New Guineans. One does it, second one does it, ten people, 100, 5,000 and not long all of us do it. And the Government only tops it up to fill in the gap. Belated Merry Christmas and a happy Healthy New Year. And yet, another free medical (health) advise. Dr. Sam Yockopua