Ignoring health concerns is more common than you might think. A study by Bluecrest Health Screening, published in The UK Health Gap Report, reveals that while many UK adults make efforts to live a healthy lifestyle, a significant proportion neglect regular medical check-ups.
The research found that only 28% of adults attend regular medical appointments, despite nearly half (48%) exercising regularly and 46% eating their recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables daily.
Alarmingly, 42% of those surveyed admitted they would only consult a doctor if a health issue became severe.
Health Is Not a Top Priority for Most
While health is a daily concern for many, it’s rarely a top life priority. Only 1 in 5 respondents listed health as their main focus, even though the average person spends 12 minutes a day worrying about it.
Younger generations, particularly Generation Z (ages 16–24), spend significantly more time—32% above the UK average—fretting about their health. Millennials also reported elevated levels of health-related anxiety, though slightly lower than Generation Z.
This anxiety spans genders, with women dedicating 13 minutes daily to health worries compared to 11 minutes for men. Yet, only 11% of respondents invest in regular health screenings.
Dr. Toby Balcombe, GP advisor at Bluecrest Health Screening, emphasises: “As a nation, we’re getting better at maintaining and improving our health and wellbeing.
The research shows that many of us invest our time and hard-earned money exercising regularly and eating a varied and healthy diet, but this alone isn’t enough.”
Dr. Balcombe adds, “Underlying health problems can sometimes escalate, so it’s important that we take a proactive approach to managing our health and not be afraid to tackle health issues head-on to prevent them from developing.”
Five Health Issues You Shouldn’t Overlook
Taking proactive steps to address early health warnings can be life-saving. Here are five key health signs that warrant immediate attention:
- Sudden and Severe Headaches Not all headaches are harmless. If a headache strikes suddenly and with severe intensity, disrupting daily tasks, it may signal a more serious condition such as a burst blood vessel, meningitis, or even a tumour. A medical consultation is crucial to rule out these possibilities.
- Chest Pain While chest discomfort might sometimes be mistaken for indigestion or heartburn, sudden and severe chest pain—or pressure in the chest and upper abdomen—should not be ignored. These symptoms may indicate a heart attack or other serious conditions requiring immediate medical evaluation.
- Changes in Skin Your skin often reflects underlying health issues. Unexpected rashes, blemishes, or skin tags can signal hormonal imbalances, high blood pressure, or kidney problems. A sudden increase in wrinkles may even suggest protein deficiency. Monitoring and addressing these changes with a healthcare professional is essential.
- Hair Loss Losing around 100 hairs daily is typical, but shedding significantly more can be a warning sign. Changes in hair texture, loss, or scalp condition could indicate anaemia, thyroid issues, protein deficiency, or even Cushing’s syndrome—a rare disorder caused by excessive cortisol levels.
- Excessive Sweating Unexplained sweating, especially at night, can be a symptom of various conditions such as thyroid dysfunction, diabetes, or infections. A 2018 study also highlighted profuse sweating as a common symptom in heart attack patients. Consulting a doctor is vital if such symptoms arise.
Taking Control of Your Health
Bluecrest Health Screening offers affordable and accessible health checks for individuals and businesses across the UK and Ireland. Their mission is to empower people with clear insights into their health, enabling them to take informed steps towards wellness.
For more information about Bluecrest Health Screening’s services, visit their official website.