POLOKWANE – ER24 Spokesperson, Chitra Bodasing recently sent out a statement to residents in the city, urging them to go for regular check-up’s and even do self examinations to ensure they are not in any medical danger or suffering from serious medical conditions.
“Not many people know that worrying about financial problems could contribute to depression and ultimately not only affect one person, but a whole family. By not going for regular medical check-ups, you risk being left in the dark about an illness you may have, which, if not caught early enough, could lead to serious complications,” Bodasing explains.
Local medical practitioner Lesiba Ledwaba told Review people don’t want to go for check-ups because they fear finding out about a dreaded illness but he says it’s better to know what you have so you can treat it promptly.
He says if a disease is detected late and organs have already suffered damage, control of the disease would be difficult and may require multiple medications and management of the complications.
“As a result of people not visiting a doctor as often as they should, many conditions that initially present without symptoms, such as hypertension, tumours and diabetes, are only identified at a later stage and this may lead to serious complications,” he explains.
He says a number of people would rather self-diagnose instead of visiting a doctor. “By doing this, people expose themselves to further risk.
He urges residents to visit a medical professional regularly.
“Routine tests will identify the most common treatable conditions,” Ledwaba explains.
He adds that people should realise doctors in the city are some of the best around and they can in fact assist in successful treatment of illnesses. He says many people, especially in rural areas around Polokwane, believe they can only get the best treatment from well-known doctors outside the city or by visiting traditional healers.
“There are well educated and experienced doctors in the city ready to assist you, don’t make excuses,” he said.
