Lalla Hiryama has been open about the importance of regular health screenings like pap smears.
Photo: @lalla_hirayama/Instagram
- Stars like Lalla Hirayama have raised awareness for regular health check-ups.
- Chronic conditions develop silently and early detection does save lives.
- It’s important to book annual checks like blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, HIV, STI and cancer screenings.
- Treat health checks as selfcare, not something to fear.
When media personality Lalla Hirayama discovered her diagnosis of the precancerous condition cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN 3), she admitted to her supporters that it had been some time since she’d had a check-up with a gynaecologist.
She reminded her followers about the importance of regular pap smears.
We’ve all heard the age-old adage, ‘An apple a day keeps the doctor away’. But it’s easy to go through the motions of life and only think about our health when an issue arises.
We’ll ignore that chronic fatigue that keeps us groggy throughout the day, no matter how many hours of sleep we get. Or that mild chest pain that we procrastinate on getting checked out, but keeps us up at night.
By the time many finally head to a doctor for a check-up, a problem has already developed.
Reality TV star Mome Mahlangu also opened up about how her life-changing stroke six years ago prompted her to start her wellness brand Mome Wellness and actively rehaul her lifestyle.
“That experience completely changed me. Learning that strokes are real and understanding the critical importance of mental health and self-care shifted something fundamental within me,” Mome previously told TRUELOVE.
READ MORE | Mome Mahlangu talks new fashion line, suffering a stroke and weight loss
Most recently, Dali Tambo, veteran broadcaster and son of struggle icons Adelaide and Oliver Tambo, was reportedly admitted to hospital following an unexpected mild heart attack. Whilst he’s recovering well, preventive healthcare should always be a priority, regardless of age.
“The biggest mistake people make is waiting until they feel unwell to seek care,” warns Dr Karisha Quarrie, the chief medical officer at Life Healthcare.
“Many chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and early-stage diabetes, develop silently. By the time symptoms appear, the condition may already have advanced. Preventive care is about protecting long-term health and reducing the risk of complications later on.”
In a country – and world – where Black women and women of colour, especially in disadvantaged communities, are consistently under-diagnosed, we catch up with Dr Karisha, who explains all the necessary health checks you should be scheduling that could save your life.
Why now?
The January budget stress and new year pressure often make February the actual ‘action month’.
Dr Karisha explains that specialised screenings are usually introduced based on age, sex and individual risk factors.
“Cervical cancer screening usually begins in early adulthood, while breast cancer screening is typically recommended from the age of 40 or earlier for those with a family history. Colorectal cancer screening often starts around age 45 to 50, depending on guidelines and personal risk.
“Bone density testing is usually recommended for women over 65 and men over 70, or earlier if there are risk factors such as early menopause. It’s important to note that these are general guidelines,” she says.
One of the most effective ways to make screenings and checks feel more manageable is to see them as part of a routine self-care regimen rather than something to fear, Dr Karisha advises.
“Booking your health checks in advance, pairing appointments together where possible and understanding what each test involves can reduce anxiety.”
“When speaking to a doctor, patients should feel empowered to ask questions and share their concerns, family history and lifestyle habits openly. A simple conversation, such as, ‘I’d like to be proactive about my health, what screenings should I be prioritising?’ can open the door to a personalised plan.”
Life Healthcare’s essential health checks guide.
The non-negotiable checklist
South Africa is a country where ailments like high blood pressure, hypertension, heart diseases and strokes are regarded as silent killers.
READ MORE | Strokes: A silent killer affecting thousands of South Africans
Health assessments like regular blood pressure checks, blood glucose screening, and cholesterol testing are non-negotiables that need to be checked regularly.
Dr Karisha says, “For most adults, blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels should be checked at least once a year. HIV and STI screening should be undertaken annually for all sexually active individuals. Kidney, heart and other functional tests, along with dental and eye screenings, are typically assessed every one to three years, depending on age and risk factors.”
She shares the top screening tests women and men should look out for.
“Women should also prioritise cervical screening, breast examinations and mammograms at the recommended ages, as well as iron and thyroid testing when clinically indicated. Men should be mindful of prostate health and talk to their doctor about prostate screening, which involves a simple blood test, as they get older.”
The stars have been open about the preventative measures they’ve taken to get their health right, like actor Gugu Gumede getting gastric sleeve surgery to achieve “a healthier version of myself”.
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