Understanding the Importance of Health Check-ups as Students

Omolola Sadik

“Have you ever taken a trip to the Jaja Clinic?”

Did you answer NO to this question? Well, this makes you one of the many students who never have.

Health is oftentimes misconstrued as merely the ‘absence of illness’. An average Nigerian believes that you are healthy and hearty if you are not ill. Do you disagree? Then, I must, at this point, raise a question. Dear reader, when was the last time you or any member of your family intentionally went for a health checkup?

Health is a holistic state encompassing physical, mental, and social well-being. Regular health check-ups, in this context, involve proactive screenings and assessments aimed at preventing and detecting potential health issues before they escalate. According to a publication by Medbury Medical, patients who see their doctors for regular medical checkups are better off than those who do not. It is better to prevent illness than to treat it. Regular health check-ups are especially crucial during the college years, as they provide an active approach to well-being.

See an illustration:

Last semester, a friend of mine, Sharon (not her actual name), began to observe signs of an impending illness. I, as well as her roommates, advised her to go to the university’s health centre to get a checkup. I offered to take her to Jaja clinic, a gesture she vehemently refused. In her words, “No! I can’t waste my time waiting at Jaja. I have classes to attend and more important things to do.” Sharon’s parents had to come pick her up when she kept complaining that she wasn’t getting any better.
Three days later, she posted, “Good health is underrated” on her WhatsApp status.

Unbelievably, this same young woman, upon her return to school, spent the rest of the semester like many other students: reading overnight, not getting enough sleep, eating once a day, substituting healthy foods for junk food, and being inconsiderate about her health. Isn’t it hypocritical that we understand the significance of good health, but experiencing academic stress, indulging in irregular eating habits, and sleep disruptions have become normal for us? Isn’t it ironic how we take our health for granted and only appreciate the absence of infirmities in dire times?

Jaja Clinic, the University of Ibadan’s healthcare centre, is equipped with medical professionals, diagnostic tools, and services aimed at ensuring that you, as a student of the University, have access to comprehensive healthcare. Many students are not even aware that they can go to Jaja Clinic for regular check-ups. The last time some students even visited the clinic was when they did the compulsory medical screening in 100 level, some don’t know where they kept their clinic cards anymore. This shouldn’t be the case! The University Health Service is your secret weapon, not just a sick bay for emergencies. Do you need your vaccines updated? Schedule a visit. Are you stressed about an upcoming presentation? Talk to a counsellor there. Are you concerned about an unexplained body ache? Get it checked.

Good health equates to high productivity, increased mental ability, active participation in activities, and a positive disposition towards life. For students, health check-ups are extremely essential. These check-ups not only ensure their physical well-being but also cater to their mental and emotional health. Students go through enormous amounts of stress due to the heavy workload, peer pressure, homesickness, and competitive environment, which might lead to health issues such as anxiety, depression, and various eating disorders. Early diagnosis and timely treatment of these issues can ensure that the student remains in good health, which directly reflects on their academic performance. Mental health, if left untreated, can adversely affect the cognitive development of the student, reducing their ability to focus, internalise new information, and inhibit problem-solving skills.

In addition, for students with existing health conditions such as asthma and diabetes, regular check-ups help in close monitoring and management of these conditions, reducing the risk of complications and ensuring better well-being.

“I used to avoid the health centre,” admits Peter, a resident of the great Independence Hall. “But then I had this weird rash that wouldn’t go away. They diagnosed it early as a reaction, and I got the right treatment before it got worse. Now, I go for check-ups, just to be safe.”

Peter is not alone. Check-ups aren’t just about detecting health problems. Blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and mental health assessments— having insights about your health status empowers you to make informed choices about your lifestyle. For example, if your check-up reveals slightly elevated blood pressure, that’s a sign to consider reducing stress, incorporating exercise, and adjusting your diet.

Regular check-ups help detect illnesses before they escalate. Early detection and prevention can save money in the long run by avoiding the need for expensive medical treatments that may arise from neglected health issues. “I never realised the importance of health check-ups until a screening at Jaja detected a minor health issue early. First semester in 300-level, I fell ill. It started with a headache, I believed it was something minor, you know, as we say, an ‘ordinary headache’. So I took paracetamol, and I felt better. Little did I know that was nothing but a quick relief, and the worst was yet to come. The headache returned two days later, and it came back stronger. It wasn’t just a headache at that point because it began to affect my eyesight. I thank God for one of the amazing roommates I had then who accompanied me to Jaja that day.” Shares Tolu, a final year student.

Whenever students say they can’t go to Jaja because it is a waste of time, I simply look at them. Truly, waiting long hours to be attended to can be annoying and stressful. However, I would say that your health is worth the wait. At least, if it were to be other things like collecting money or securing important appointments, we wouldn’t mind waiting. Ever since then, I haven’t practised any form of self-medication. It was a wake-up call to prioritise my well-being, alongside my studies,” Tolu said.

In conclusion, the primary message is evident, your health is your responsibility. Every student should recognize that to excel both academically and personally, prioritizing good health is essential. Simultaneously, this serves as a wake-up call for all students to undergo regular check-ups. Waiting until a critical state before seeking medical attention is not advisable.