Check, please! Health check-up, that is!

While most people would only visit a doctor when they’re sick or not feeling well, rarely does anyone go to a doctor routinely to make sure they’re healthy when not symptomatic. Studies have shown that because of this, over 50% of people over the age of 75 will have physical problems because they have disregarded regular health check-ups.

A regular full health check-up, at the very least once a year, could reveal problems before they start. Most people could have a problem and not even know about. An official from Royal Bahrain Hospital gives a real life example of such a situation. “Once during a free medical camp we were conducting, we tested a person’s blood sugar and found out that he was diabetic, and he didn’t even know it! Being unaware of such a condition may not seem like match, but what would present serious complications later in life. Knowing what condition you’re in means you can better prepare your body for facing the aging process.”

What kind of tests should be taken? The best person to answer your question is a doctor. The majority would need a regular check-up once or twice a year, with just the routine tests, but others may need to do more specific tests. Doctors at Royal Bahrain Hospital advise “If any of your relatives have cancer it’s important for the women to get a mammogram and for men to do a cancer screening. If you’ve had a blood transfusion or work in healthcare, then you’ll need a hepatitis screening. Most hospitals will use special days, such as World Hepatitis Day to put together a relevant package and remind people to get checked. Take advantage of this!”

This extends to people from all ages and backgrounds. Getting a health check-up is important, so ask your doctor if you need any special screenings or tests. Most people attempt to cure the illness, but healthcare institutions are looking to prevent the illness.

To book a General Health Check-Up during the holy month of Ramadan, or a discounted Hepatitis screening, call the Royal Bahrain Hospital at 1724 6800

July 28, World Hepatitis Day

Have you heard of World Hepatitis Day? If not, then did you know that it’s today? An approximate 520 million people are chronically infected by hepatitis B and C worldwide, and many of them wouldn’t even know that they’re infected by the ‘silent virus’.

This unaffectionate nickname was given to the disease because a person can be infected without knowing it until it’s too late. Think of it, if not caught early, the situation may deteriorate so badly that a person’s only option would be a liver transplant.

However, according to Dr. Mazin Kamil, Consultant Gastroenterologist (joining soon at Royal Bahrain Hospital), there are two things that can be done. “The first step is to get tested. At the very least, a routine liver function test can reveal if you have possibly been infected. People at risk of being infected are healthcare workers and people who receive blood clotting factors and blood transfusion. Once detected, the second step would be immediate treatment.”

The reason not many people get tested is because of the symptoms that present themselves like the flu in the acute stage. “This includes loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fever, weakness, exhaustion and pain in the abdomen. However, the patient may be asymptomatic if he has a chronic infection, so it’s important to get tested.” Says Dr. Kamil.

The good news is that according to the World Hepatitis Alliance, in nine out of ten adults (not children), acute hepatitis B infection will go away on its own in the first six months. “Although a person should not rely on these statistics, and it is highly recommended you get tested lest the disease either becomes chronic or you infect someone.”

“There is a treatment for the disease, but it’s a lengthy process. It mostly involves medications to eradicate the virus in addition to several measures taken to prevent further liver damage. It’s rare that patients recover completely, especially if they’re diagnosed too late.”

In order to dispose of some myths surrounding how you catch the disease, the main thing people should be aware of is that it cannot be contracted through everyday contact, such as shaking hands, coughing, sneezing, or by using the same toilet.  “The immunization vaccine is the best way of preventing hepatitis B infection, while getting tested and catching hepatitis C early is an important option, since it is curable.”

To book your hepatitis screening, call Royal Bahrain Hospital on 1724 6800. For more information on World Hepatitis Day, visit www.worldhepatitisalliance.org