The Silent Health Crisis in Nigeria
Nigeria is facing a quiet but dangerous health transition. Communicable diseases remain a concern, but non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, diabetes, stroke, chronic kidney disease, and cancer are now responsible for a growing proportion of illness and death.
According to data from the Federal Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization, non-communicable diseases account for approximately 29–30% of all deaths in Nigeria, and this figure continues to rise. What makes this particularly concerning is that many of these conditions develop silently, often without warning symptoms for years.
Hypertension, for example, may exist for a decade before a person becomes aware and most often after a stroke, heart attack, or kidney failure. Diabetes may progress unnoticed until complications such as vision loss or nerve damage appear.
The encouraging reality is this: many of these outcomes are preventable with early detection through routine health checkups.
Why Annual Health Checkups Matter In Nigeria
An annual medical checkup is not about finding problems, it is about preventing them, identifying risks early, and preserving long-term quality of life.
Preventive care allows doctors to:
- Detect diseases at an early, treatable stage
- Identify risk factors before illness develops
- Provide personalized lifestyle guidance
- Reduce long-term healthcare costs
- Improve life expectancy and productivity
For working adults, parents, and older persons, preventive care is one of the most valuable investments you can make in your future.
What Happens During an Annual Medical Checkup?
At St. Nicholas Hospital Lagos, annual health screenings are structured, comprehensive, and tailored to each individual.
- Vital Signs and Basic Measurements
These are foundational indicators of health:
- Blood pressure (hypertension affects about 1 in 3 Nigerian adults)
- Heart rate and temperature
- Weight and Body Mass Index (BMI)
- Blood sugar screening
Abnormalities at this stage often prompt further evaluation before symptoms arise.
- Physical Examination
Your doctor performs a head-to-toe assessment, including:
- Heart and lung examination
- Abdominal examination
- Skin assessment for unusual lesions or growths
- General musculoskeletal and neurological checks
This helps identify subtle clinical signs that patients may overlook
- Laboratory Investigations
Based on age, risk factors, and clinical findings, recommended tests may include:
- Full blood count – detects anemia, infections, and blood disorders
- Fasting blood glucose – screens for diabetes and pre-diabetes
- Lipid profile – evaluates cholesterol and cardiovascular risk
- Liver and kidney function tests
- Urinalysis
- HIV screening (voluntary and confidential, in line with national guidelines)
These tests are widely recommended for adults, particularly those aged 30 years and above, by professional medical bodies in Nigeria.
- Health History Review
Your physician will discuss:
- Family history of hypertension, diabetes, stroke, cancer
- Current medications (including supplements and herbal preparations)
- Diet, physical activity, alcohol intake, and smoking
- Sleep quality, stress levels, and mental wellbeing
This conversation is essential—medicine is not just about test results, but about context.
- Preventive Counseling
You will receive personalized, culturally relevant advice on:
- Nutrition and healthy Nigerian food choices
- Physical activity suitable for your lifestyle
- Stress management and sleep
- Disease prevention strategies
Recommended Screenings by Age Group
Adults 18–39 Years
Annually:
- Blood pressure
- Weight and BMI
- Mental health screening
- HIV and STI testing (if sexually active)
Every 2–3 years (or earlier if risk factors exist):
- Blood sugar
- Cholesterol profile
Studies from the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research show a rising burden of lifestyle-related diseases among young adults due to sedentary behavior and dietary changes.
Adults 40–64 Years
In addition to the above:
Women
- Annual clinical breast examination
- Cervical cancer screening (Pap smear or HPV testing as advised)
- Mammography based on risk and physician recommendation
Men
- Prostate assessment, particularly with family history
Everyone
- Regular diabetes and cholesterol monitoring
- Blood pressure checks at least twice yearly
- Hepatitis B screening if status is unknown
Breast and cervical cancers remain among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in Nigerian women and yet both are highly treatable when detected early.
Adults 65 Years and Above
Additional assessments may include:
- Cognitive screening
- Vision and hearing tests
- Bone health evaluation in women
- Fall-risk assessment
This help preserve independence, mobility, and quality of life.
Common Health Myths Nigerians Believe and the Facts
“I’m too young to be sick.”
Hypertension and diabetes are increasingly diagnosed in Nigerians in their 20s and 30s, driven by diet, stress, and inactivity.
“Checkups are too expensive.”
Preventive screening costs far less than treating advanced complications such as stroke, kidney failure, or heart disease.
“I feel fine, so I must be healthy.”
Many serious conditions are asymptomatic in early stages. Feeling well does not always equal being well.
“Traditional remedies are enough.”
Traditional medicine may have cultural value, but it cannot replace medical diagnosis or evidence-based treatment for conditions like cancer, diabetes, or hypertension.
How to Prepare for Your Checkup
Before your visit
- List all medications and supplements (including herbal mixtures)
- Know your family medical history
- Write down key questions
- Fast for 8–12 hours if blood tests are planned (water is allowed)
During your visit
- Be honest about lifestyle habits
- Ask questions if anything is unclear
- Discuss financial concerns—doctors can suggest cost-effective options
After your visit
- Take medications as prescribed
- Schedule follow-ups promptly
- Begin at least one healthy habit immediately
Why Choose St. Nicholas Hospital Lagos?
St. Nicholas Hospital offers:
- Experienced Nigerian physicians with local and international training
- Comprehensive, transparent screening packages
- Modern diagnostic facilities
- Flexible appointment scheduling
- Multilingual care (English, Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa)
- Ongoing follow-up support via phone and WhatsApp
We accept major Nigerian HMOs.
Take Action Today
You service your car. You maintain your generator.
Your body deserves at least the same attention.
Book your annual health checkup today:
🌐 Book online: www.saintnicholashospital.com
Locations
Victoria Island Branch
📍 7b Etim Inyang crescent, off Muri Okunola St, Victoria Island, Lagos
🕐 Hours: Monday-Saturday, 8AM-5PM
Services: Comprehensive health screening, executive packages, family checkups
Maryland Branch
📍 18 Faramobi Ajike St, Anthony Village, Lagos
📞 [Phone Number]
🕐 Hours: [Hours] Services: [Services available]
Lagos Island (Campbell Street) Branch
📍 57 Campbell Street, Lagos Island
📞 02012800820 🕐 Hours: 24 Hours Open
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Medical Review
Dr. Raliat Usman, MBBS, MPH, FWACP, Consultant Family Physician, St. Nicholas Hospital Lagos
Preventive care saves lives. Early detection preserves dignity, productivity, and longevity.