5 myths about the Vitality Health Check to leave behind in 2023
If you think you're too healthy (or unhealthy) to do a Vitality Health Check, think again. The essential screening tool is your first defence against serious chronic conditions. Start the year on a healthy note by letting go of these five myths.
Myth #1: I want to lose weight before I go
Waiting to lose weight could prevent the early detection of serious health issues. A Vitality Health Check offers a holistic view of your health, considering factors beyond body weight to make it easy to understand your overall wellbeing.
A Vitality Health Check is an essential screening tool that measures your body-mass index (BMI), blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol and smoker's status.
If your results are out of range, it gives you the opportunity to take action by making lifestyle changes or taking medicine. Plus, you can complete the assessment again later in the year to measure your progress and earn additional Vitality points.
Myth #2: I don't want someone telling me I'm unhealthy
The Vitality Health Check measures your overall health, inside and out. Healthcare professionals approach these assessments with sensitivity and empathy. Rather than focusing on criticism, the goal is to provide accurate information and offer guidance for improving your health.
Myth #3: I feel fine. I don't need to do a Vitality Health Check
Picking up health issues before you start experiencing symptoms is a key advantage of doing a Vitality Health Check. Early detection allows for timely intervention, preventing the worsening of diseases and helping you to adopt proactive measures to maintain or improve your health.
A High blood pressure is often called the "silent killer" because most of the time, it has no obvious symptoms to show that something is wrong.
1 in 2 people living with diabetes don't know that they have it.
For example, an average 40-year-old who identifies and manages their risk of diabetes could live five years longer than predicted and eight years longer in good health.
Myth #4: I don't think the results are accurate
The Vitality Health Check is a screening tool for common chronic disease risk factors.
The results for each Vitality Health Check measure (blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol, waist-adjusted BMI, and smoker status) are categorised as in range, at risk or high risk. These ranges are based on local and clinical guidelines.
A low score (at risk or high risk) may mean that you have a higher risk of developing chronic diseases. When results are outside of the healthy range, it is recommended to consult with your doctor for further diagnostic testing.
Myth #5: I don't have time to do a Vitality Health Check
A Vitality Health Check is designed to be quick and efficient: it takes only 15 minutes. Plus, you don't have to leave the house to care for your health. You can choose to do a Vitality Health Check in the comfort and convenience of your own home.
This year, we're giving you more reasons to do your Vitality Health Check by making it the cornerstone of unlocking greater rewards. Start your year strong and stay strong by knowing your health!