Preventing Serious Illnesses with Early Health Screening

In Vietnam, non-communicable diseases are emerging as a critical public health situation, as medical professionals highlight the tendency of many individuals to disregard early warning signs until serious issues manifest. Conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and chronic respiratory ailments are progressively affecting larger populations due to lifestyles lacking in health-conscious choices and delays in seeking medical advice.

Health practitioners pointed out that numerous patients learn about their chronic conditions only after life-threatening events such as strokes, heart failures, or kidney issues arise. They are advocating for the public to engage in regular health screenings and to adopt more beneficial lifestyle habits to help alleviate the increasing incidence of non-communicable diseases throughout the nation.

Eighty-two-year-old Khuat Ngoc Ha from Phuc Tho discovered his hypertension during a routine check-up, despite feeling healthy prior. After receiving medical guidance, he learned about the dangers of uncontrolled blood pressure, including strokes and heart disease. Since that time, he has diligently followed his treatment plan, modified his diet, and has regularly attended follow-up consultations, resulting in stable health.

Similarly, sixty-six-year-old Le Van Hoang from Gia Lam was unaware of his high blood pressure until he experienced a cerebral infarction-induced stroke. After developing facial and speech impairments, he was quickly taken to Gia Lam General Hospital. The medical team executed emergency thrombolytic treatments, effectively stabilizing his condition and averting further complications.

Currently, around 6,000 patients are under outpatient care for hypertension and diabetes at Gia Lam General Hospital, where medical officials have ramped up their disease management protocols with early screenings and ongoing monitoring practices. Notably, conditions linked to hypertension comprise nearly 60 percent of inpatient cases in certain departments, especially among older patients with pre-existing health issues.

Experts indicate that non-communicable diseases often progress gradually and frequently present with mild or no symptoms during initial stages. Factors contributing to these conditions include smoking, excessive alcohol use, inadequate nutrition, stress, lack of physical activity, and environmental pollutants. Health professionals caution that many tend to overlook these hazards until they culminate in severe and challenging-to-manage diseases.

Healthcare specialists are advising citizens to frequently check their blood pressure at home and uphold healthy daily routines. Recommendations include cutting down on salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats, while increasing physical activity and ensuring sufficient rest. Also stressed is the importance of strictly adhering to prescribed medications and consulting healthcare providers before altering any treatment regimen.

Experts hold that heightened public awareness, prompt diagnoses, and effective long-term management of these diseases can drastically reduce mortality and disability linked to chronic illnesses. Health authorities assert that proactive health measures combined with lifestyle adjustments are key strategies against non-communicable diseases and their serious consequences.