Your Health Is Talking—Are You Listening?

It started as a mild headache. Then came the constant fatigue, irregular sleep, and chest tightness that wouldn’t go away. At first, 28-year-old Tolu thought it was just stress. But after walking into our pharmacy for the third time in two weeks, it became clear—his body was trying to tell him something.

Every day, we experience signs and symptoms that our bodies use to communicate with us. Some are loud—like fever, swelling, or severe pain. Others whisper—chronic tiredness, dizziness, or that gut feeling something isn’t quite right. Too often, we dismiss these signals until the damage is done.

As a pharmacist working on the frontlines of healthcare, I have learned that your body will always speak up—you just need to listen.

When We Ignore the Signs

Most of us, especially young adults, ignore early symptoms, thinking they are too young to be seriously ill. However, recent studies are sounding the alarm. One report by KB Watson et al. (2022) revealed that 53.4% of adults aged 18–34 in the U.S. have at least one chronic health condition, such as hypertension, obesity, or depression.

In Nigeria, the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among the youth is becoming more pronounced. According to the Nigeria STEPS Survey 2021, over 24% of young adults aged 25–34 had elevated blood pressure, and many were unaware of their condition. What does this tell us?

That fatigue, headaches, or unexplained body pain could be early warnings—not just byproducts of a “busy life.”

Top 5 Symptoms You Should Never Ignore

Here are common warning signs your body might use to get your attention:

1. Persistent Fatigue:

   Could indicate anemia, depression, thyroid issues, or even diabetes.

   
   

2. Unexplained Weight Changes:

   Sudden weight gain/loss may signal hormonal imbalance, digestive disorders, or underlying infection.

   
   

3. Shortness of Breath or Chest Pain:

   Always seek help immediately. These could be symptoms of cardiovascular/respiratory disease.

   
   

4. Chronic Headaches or Dizziness:

   Don’t just pop painkillers. This may point to high blood pressure, migraines, or even neurological issues.

   
   

5. Changes in Bowel or Urinary Habits:

   These could be early signs of kidney issues, infections, or gastrointestinal problems.

   
   

For instance, lower urinary tract infection that is left undetected/untreated will lead to upper urinary tract infection, which is a lot more difficult to treat and could cause more harm to the individual.

Why Early Attention Saves Lives

The World Health Organization (WHO) confirms that early detection is one of the most effective strategies in reducing the burden of chronic diseases, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Regular check-ups, even without symptoms, help identify silent killers before they take root.

Community pharmacies play a vital role in this. They offer easy access, no appointments needed, and immediate referrals. Sometimes, a simple blood pressure check or chat across the counter can change (or save) a life.

Take Action Today

Your health is talking. Don’t wait for it to start screaming.

• Schedule that long-overdue check-up.

• Visit your local pharmacy for a quick screening.

• Listen to your body—and act early.

  
  

You are never too young to take your health seriously.

Remember, early detection save lives.

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