IPOH: Members of the public should use their birthday as a reminder to undergo regular annual health screenings to prevent undetected health complications in the future, says Dr Feisul Idzwan Mustapha.
The Perak Health director said many people often delay health check-ups when they are not experiencing any health issues, but seek medical attention later when complications arise.
“Most patients who come to emergency departments are not suffering from infectious diseases, but from heart attacks and strokes caused by undetected chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
“Many Malaysians have never even had their blood pressure checked,” he said after opening the Community Care Day and Fire Safety Awareness Training Programme here yesterday.
He encouraged those who do not get regular medical check-ups to use their birthday as a reminder to do so.
On dengue, Dr Feisul reminded the public not to be complacent, even though cases are on a downward trend.
He said dengue is a cyclical disease that can surge if preventive measures, particularly keeping surroundings clean, are neglected.
“When surroundings are not properly maintained and breeding sites are allowed to form, a rise in cases is inevitable,” he said.
He added that illegal dumping, abandoned land, construction sites and poorly maintained flat rooftops are among the main mosquito breeding grounds in Ipoh, particularly during the rainy season.
