Medical practitioner harps on chronic illnesses

Dr Ovo Ogbinaka, a Warri-based Paediatrician, has advised adults to adopt regular medical check-ups to avoid chronic sicknesses that could lead to death.

Ogbinaka gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Benin.

The medical practitioner said that early detection of some chronic illnesses could help in preventing them from causing damages.

According to him, only a few people see their doctors regularly as a routine follow-up to keep their health in top order.

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“Some people feel it is only when they are sick that they should visit the hospital.

“If you want to stay off medication and be less dependent on external sources to be healthy, then you need to take good care of your body by checking your health regularly.

“Conducting a general body test from time to time is one of the many aspects of maintaining a healthy lifestyle,” he said.

The paediatrician noted that an annual full body check-up and a routine visit to doctors to assess general health was an important step in preventing bigger health issues.

He said that eating well and maintaining a wholesome lifestyle of a balanced diet, as well as exercising, could help in protecting a person from illness.

Ogbinaka, however, said that health checks varied from person to person based on their sex, age, family health and lifestyle.

According to the medical practitioner, health checkups also promote and improve the patient-doctor relationship.