Why Screening Matters Even When You Feel Fine

When it comes to health, most of us play defence. We wait until something feels off, hurts, or doesn’t go away. That’s when we book the appointment, take the test, and finally pay attention. 

But what if waiting is the real risk? 

“People often think screenings are something you do when you're already sick,” says Dr. Jessica Hamuy Blanco . “But by the time symptoms show up, the problem might have already progressed.” 

 Screening Before Symptoms 

At Dis-Chem, we’re working to shift that mindset. Our clinics offer a full range of preventative health screenings, from blood pressure and cholesterol checks to HIV testing, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests, cervical cancer screenings (like Pap smears), glucose monitoring, and even fitness assessments. Some help catch conditions early. Others help you stay ahead of complications you didn’t know were building. 

And still, so many of us put them off. 

 Why We Delay Care 

According to Dr. Jess, part of it is psychological. “We all have this idea that serious illness happens to other people. Not us. Not now.” 

But the numbers tell another story. Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of death in South Africa. Diabetes often goes undiagnosed. And conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol? They're silent. You feel fine – until you're not. 

“Some people only find out when they have a heart attack,” she says. 

 Early Action, Not Emergency Response 

It’s not panic that leads to better health. It’s being prepared.  

Screenings give you the chance to spot red flags early, take control, and course-correct before things get urgent. And yes, access can be a barrier. That’s why Dis-Chem is building easier, more affordable ways to get checked. From in-clinic screenings to fitness tests, we’re making health assessments part of everyday care, not a crisis response. 

 One Small Step 

And that shift? It starts with how we think. 

“You don't need to feel sick to take your health seriously,” Dr. Jess says. “Staying healthy means being proactive, not just reactive.” 

So, whether you feel perfectly fine or haven’t seen a nurse in years, this is your reminder: a few minutes today could change everything tomorrow. 

Because prevention isn’t a luxury. It’s a lifeline.