At Batid, we are committed to promoting proactive healthcare. Early detection is a powerful tool in preventing serious illnesses and reducing long-term health risks. Regular health screenings can help identify potential problems before they become serious. Here are five important health checks we recommend you do regularly.
1. Blood Pressure
South Africa continues to face high rates of hypertension, with over one-third of adults living with elevated blood pressure. Left unchecked, this condition can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure.
What’s Normal?
Ideal blood pressure is below 120/80 mmHg. Readings above 140/90 mmHg indicate hypertension, while 130–139/85–89 mmHg suggests pre-hypertension.
How to Improve It:
Reduce salt intake, maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, stop smoking, and eat more fruits and vegetables. Batid offers community-based wellness checks and lifestyle counseling.
2. Cholesterol Levels
High cholesterol may not show symptoms but significantly increases heart disease risk, especially when paired with poor lifestyle habits or family history.
What’s Normal?
A total cholesterol level below 5mmol/L is considered healthy. If elevated, further tests for LDL (bad cholesterol) and HDL (good cholesterol) are needed.
How to Improve It:
Switch to heart-healthy fats, reduce sugar and starches, increase physical activity, and stop smoking. Batid pharmacies offer cholesterol screening and dietary support services.
3. Blood Glucose
Monitoring blood sugar is vital for detecting diabetes and metabolic syndrome—a cluster of conditions including obesity, high blood pressure, and abnormal cholesterol levels.
What’s Normal?
Ideal blood glucose is under 6mmol/L when fasting. Readings between 6–7mmol/L may indicate glucose intolerance; 11mmol/L and above suggests diabetes.
How to Improve It:
Adopt a healthy diet, lose excess weight, and engage in regular physical activity. Medication may also be necessary. Batid clinics offer diabetes management programs and patient education.
4. Body Weight & Waist Circumference
Obesity is a growing concern across Africa. Central obesity (fat around the waist) is a major risk factor for heart disease and diabetes.
What’s Normal?
A Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18.5–24.9 is considered healthy. A BMI over 25 indicates overweight, and over 30 is obese. Waist measurements should be below 80cm for women and 94cm for men.
How to Improve It:
Adopt a sustainable exercise routine and a nutrient-rich diet. Batid’s wellness initiatives include nutritional counseling and physical fitness coaching.
5. Routine Health Check-Ups
Beyond these metrics, regular health screenings—such as HIV testing, cancer screenings, vision and hearing checks, and dental visits—can significantly improve long-term health outcomes.
Where to Get Help:
Visit your nearest Batid Health Centre for routine screenings and health consultations. Our multidisciplinary teams are ready to support your journey to better health.