Between the demands of work, taking care of a family and perhaps even trying to fit in some semblance of social enjoyment, maintaining your own and your loved ones’ long-term health and wellbeing can become less of a priority. You might even wait until a problem arises to get health concerns checked. For those in their mid-thirties and early forties, however, the biggest threats to long‑term wellbeing rarely announce themselves with pain or cause for alarm. Conditions such as high blood pressure, elevated blood glucose, high cholesterol and early‑stage cancers tend to progress quietly, only becoming apparent when they have advanced significantly, and often in later years when there is less you can do to help matters. If this sounds like you, you wouldn’t be the only one potentially neglecting your own and your family’s future health. Non‑communicable diseases (NCDs) are now among the leading causes of death and disability in South Africa, responsible for 51% of all deaths. These are driven by lifestyle factors such as limited physical activity, diet patterns and stress. ‘We have seen numerous provincial health authorities across the country highlighting a rapid rise in NCDs and have launched community screening campaigns to address issues such as elevated blood glucose and blood pressure before complications arise,’ says Dr Themba Hadebe, Clinical Executive at Bonitas Medical Fund. ‘This is evidence of the national push towards early detection and prevention as key tools in controlling the NCD epidemic, and it’s important that all South Africans start taking their health more seriously.’ Screenings are non-negotiable Annual health screenings are the frontline in this preventative approach. A comprehensive screening gives a clear picture of where your body stands right now, capturing key indicators such as blood pressure, glucose levels, cholesterol, body mass index and waist‑to‑hip ratio which are known predictors of future health outcomes. Detecting abnormalities early allows for simpler interventions, often involving lifestyle changes or medicine that prevent progression to chronic and costly conditions. ‘For someone juggling career and family commitments, prevention over treatment is the obvious preference in both practical and financial terms. Waiting until a condition causes symptoms frequently means discovering it at a stage where treatment is more complex, costly and disruptive,’ says Hadebe. ‘Managing early indications through regular monitoring, diet, physical activity and targeted medical support is typically far more affordable and less disruptive than hospitalisation or long‑term specialist care.’ Bonitas’ annual wellness screening, available to all members aged 21 and over, is designed with this real‑world need at its core. It brings together essential tests that can identify silent conditions long before they escalate, helping members understand their current health status and make informed decisions about next steps. Early detection not only reduces personal risk but also lessens the strain on health systems and households. This is useful with conditions like hypertension or diabetes, which when caught early and managed efficiently, result in fewer emergency hospital admissions, fewer complications and less time away from work. This matters for quality of life and for productivity in a workforce already stretched by the demands of the modern economy. Getting a fuller picture of your health There are further advantages to annual screenings beyond spotting the unseen. The process helps individuals gain a fuller understanding of how lifestyle, genetics and environment affect their health. It acts as a checkpoint, encouraging people to evaluate habits and set actionable goals around nutrition, exercise, sleep and mental wellbeing. And the reality is that for many, seeing numbers grounded in medical data provides the impetus to make lasting changes. Importantly, being proactive about health also builds continuity with healthcare providers. Regular engagement allows practitioners to observe trends over time and refine personalised health plans, and to intervene when risk factors worsen. This continuity improves diagnosis accuracy and fosters a partnership in health management that extends beyond reactive care. As South Africa continues to scale up early detection efforts and broaden access to screening services across age groups and communities, prevention should be part of your health routine. Annual health screenings are an accessible and effective way to guard against silent conditions that can undermine long‑term wellbeing. ‘Your health is one asset you cannot afford to neglect. Take advantage of your annual wellness screening available to you from your medical aid, and protect yourself, your family and your futures,’ concluded Hadebe.