Getting a regular health check-up is a must but are you reviewing your financial health?
Life is busy and sometimes it’s hard to prioritise your health, especially when you feel perfectly fine. However, regular medical check-ups are important because they can catch many conditions in their earliest stages when they’re easiest to treat. Confused about which check-ups you should be getting and when? We’ve created a list to include in your calendar.
First, make an appointment for the basics
At MiWayLife, we know that everyone is unique, so your individual needs and risk factors will determine what type of check-ups you should prioritise. Your doctor will be the best person to guide you, but ideally, every adult should have a yearly physical exam. This includes measuring your blood pressure testing your blood sugar and looking at your cholesterol levels. You should also know your body mass index (BMI) and can use our handy BMI calculator over here. BMI is a useful tool to gauge your risk against various diseases and is often used by life insurers to assess health risks when issuing life cover policies.
A yearly eye exam should also be on everyone’s calendar but might become even more important if you have a family history of eye disease or diabetes. As far as a dentist visit goes, the South African Dental Association recommends you make an appointment twice a year for an oral exam and cleaning.
Screenings that could save your life
Breast cancer and cervical cancer are the most common affecting South African women which is why early detection is essential. The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), recommends that all women perform a breast self-check exam once a month and receive a mammogram after the age of 40. They also recommend all women receive a PAP smear that can screen for cervical cancer in its earliest stages every 3 years between the ages of 21 and 65. Your doctor may suggest more frequent screening depending on your risk profile.
As for men, CANSA believes those over the age of 50 should receive a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test to screen for prostate cancer and repeat it every two years. However, if you have a family history of prostate cancer, you’ll want to start at the age of 40 and test annually. Men should also have a colonoscopy every 10 years from the age of 50 to screen for colorectal cancer.
Again, these are just a few of the big health check-ups that could save your life. Your doctor can advise you on which will be the most important and when would be the best time to test.
Don’t forget a financial health check-up
Regularly reviewing your financial health is just as important as taking care of your body. Think of it as a financial "check-up." In the same way that you’d want health insurance to protect you against unexpected medical bills, how would you safeguard your family if you had to pass away? This is where life insurance comes in.
If you qualify for life insurance with MiWayLife, you’ll be offered a set amount of coverage that’s paid out in a lump sum to your beneficiaries in the event of your passing. All our policies are “4-in-1”, meaning they include a Terminal Illness Benefit, Funeral Benefit and funeral cover for you and your family members – all for one premium!
Our Terminal Illness benefit is accelerated, meaning it pays out fast. If you’re ever diagnosed with a terminal illness and are likely to pass away within a year, you’ll have the option to immediately claim 50% or 100% of your life cover amount.
The bottom line
We all want to live a long and healthy life and know that prevention is always better than cure. This is why it’s important to investing time in regular medical check-ups that can help protect your health. However, if you also having life insurance, you can safeguard your financial wellness and protect your peace of mind. Why not get a quick quote from MiWayLife today?
Did you know:
You can now take out life cover with us online in a few simple steps. No calls and no agents! Make sure to take care of those you love today by buying MiWayLife cover online.
