Silent Health Risks: Why Early Screening Matters

Feeling healthy does not necessarily mean everything inside the body is functioning normally. For thousands of Filipinos, hypertension and diabetes can quietly develop without obvious warning signs, making regular health screening an important part of preventive care.

During community health activities supported by SM Foundation, one response is commonly heard from patients: “Wala naman akong nararamdaman.” Without pain or noticeable symptoms, many people assume they have little reason to visit a doctor.

However, hypertension and diabetes can progress silently for years. Persistently high blood pressure and elevated blood sugar can damage blood vessels and eventually affect the heart, kidneys, eyes, and other organs. When left undetected or poorly managed, these conditions may increase the risk of stroke, heart attack, kidney disease, and vision problems.

For Dr. Bless Bertos, Senior Project Manager for SM Foundation’s Health and Medical Programs, early screening can help identify health risks before serious complications occur.

Primary healthcare facilities play an important role, particularly in communities where hospitals and larger medical centers may be difficult to reach. SM Foundation supports communities by rehabilitating local health centers and complementing these facilities with medical missions.

Depending on community requirements, strengthened health centers can provide consultations, immunization, maternal and child care, nutrition services, family planning, health education, and monitoring of non-communicable diseases.

Adults aged 18 and above are encouraged to have their blood pressure checked regularly, especially those with risk factors such as family history, obesity, physical inactivity, high salt consumption, stress, inadequate sleep, or frequent alcohol intake.

Diabetes screening is generally recommended beginning at age 35, or earlier for individuals with risk factors including family history, obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol, previous gestational diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome, physical inactivity, or an unhealthy diet.

Prevention also begins with manageable everyday choices. Eating more plant-based and less processed food, limiting sugary beverages, avoiding smoking and vaping, staying hydrated, getting adequate sleep, managing stress, and completing at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity weekly can contribute to better health.

People already diagnosed with hypertension or diabetes should continue taking prescribed medication and attending follow-up consultations unless advised otherwise by their healthcare professional.

Most importantly, screening should be followed by continuing care. Through medical missions and strengthened community health centers, SM Foundation aims to make preventive healthcare more accessible while giving patients a place to return for assessment, treatment, and monitoring.

A simple health check today could be an important step toward preventing more serious health problems tomorrow.