According to an opinion column on Moneyweb, Damian McHugh, chief marketing officer at Momentum Health, lists five health-related decisions that South Africans should consider before the year ends.
The advice comes at a time when many households are feeling the squeeze of higher living costs. McHugh notes that preventive care, such as routine check-ups, basic blood pressure and cholesterol measurements, and a review of medical aid benefits, can give people clearer information about health risks and help them plan financially.
Key terms are explained in the column. A medical aid is a health-insurance product that pays for part of a person’s medical expenses. A routine check-up is a scheduled visit to a healthcare professional for a general health assessment, even when no symptoms are present. Blood pressure is the force of blood against artery walls; high readings are often called a “silent” risk factor because they may cause heart attack, kidney disease or stroke without obvious signs. Body mass index (BMI) is a calculation using height and weight to indicate whether a person may be at risk of weight-related conditions.
McHugh stresses that the right screenings depend on age, sex, family history, lifestyle and existing conditions. He also points out that the final months of the year are a good time to check what benefits remain available through a medical aid plan, such as preventive screenings, GP consultations, chronic-condition support, vaccinations or wellness assessments.
While the column does not announce any new policy or product launch, it reflects broader concerns about rising medical aid contributions. Recent reports have shown that medical aid costs have been increasing faster than inflation, putting additional pressure on families that are already managing tight budgets.
For small business owners and entrepreneurs, the advice is practical: a modest investment in a preventive health check can uncover issues early, potentially avoiding larger medical expenses later. Reviewing the details of a medical aid plan, beyond the monthly contribution, can also ensure that the coverage matches the needs of the business owner and any dependants.
Readers can find the full list of five decisions in the original Moneyweb article. For more stories on how consumer costs affect everyday South Africans, visit the Retail & Consumer section.
Many South Africans postpone routine examinations simply because they feel healthy, yet the source material points out that concerns about cost and the fear of receiving unwelcome news also play a role in delaying care, a reality that adds another layer to the financial calculations many families face when weighing health-aid options.
Beyond blood pressure, a basic consultation can reveal other silent risk factors such as elevated blood sugar and cholesterol, offering a clearer picture of underlying health issues before they become costly problems, according to the same source.
The source explains that an annual check-up is not limited to physical measurements; it also provides an opportunity to review vaccinations, dental care and mental-wellbeing needs, ensuring a more comprehensive approach to preventive health.
When assessing body mass index, the source stresses that BMI should be considered alongside lifestyle habits, medical history and body composition, highlighting that a single metric cannot fully capture an individual’s health risk profile.
According to the source, the suitability of specific screenings varies with personal factors such as age, sex, family history, lifestyle and existing conditions, meaning that a one-size-fits-all approach would miss critical nuances in preventive planning.
The final months of the year present a strategic window to verify which preventive services remain accessible under a given medical scheme, including GP visits, chronic-condition support, vaccinations and wellness assessments, as the source notes, allowing individuals to align their coverage with evolving health priorities before the new year begins.
With household budgets under pressure, many South Africans are scrutinising healthcare expenses more closely, and the source material highlights that preventive care can uncover risks early, giving clearer information for health and financial decisions. Routine checks are valuable even when no symptoms are present, offering a snapshot of underlying health that may be easier to manage if identified promptly. The same source points out that cost worries and fear of unwelcome news often cause people to postpone examinations, adding another layer to the financial calculus families face when weighing medical-aid options.
Basic consultations can reveal common silent risk factors such as elevated blood sugar and cholesterol, alongside blood pressure, providing insight before conditions become costly problems, according to the source. A few routine measurements enable a healthcare professional to assess general health and pinpoint areas needing attention, especially since many risks do not produce noticeable symptoms. By evaluating these indicators together, individuals gain a more comprehensive picture of their health status.
An annual check-up also serves as a chance to review routine vaccinations, boosters, dental care and mental-wellbeing needs, the source explains. During this visit, a professional can match screenings to a person’s history, risk factors and current priorities, ensuring that any preventive services offered by a medical scheme are fully utilised. The final months of the year are therefore a strategic window to confirm which benefits, such as GP consultations, chronic-condition support or wellness assessments, remain accessible under a given plan.
When contemplating changes to coverage for the coming year, the source advises looking beyond the monthly contribution to assess whether a plan meets current needs, provides appropriate access to care and supports any dependants. Important considerations include the suitability of preventive screenings, the ease of accessing services and the overall alignment with evolving health priorities. Free users of the Moneyweb platform can leave four comments per month, while subscribers enjoy unlimited commenting, reflecting the broader engagement around these health-aid decisions.
