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‘I’m a doctor – by doing this one thing you could prevent five deadly diseases’

DAILY EXPRESS: 21.06.24. Read how Dr Sophia Khalique explains how to catch early signs of and reduce your risk of some of the biggest potentially deadly diseases.

A doctor has revealed simple things everyone can do to catch early signs of some of the biggest killers – including one very important tip.

Dr Sophia Khalique, a GP and expert in preventative healthcare, outlined key measures to take in regards to some of the UK’s biggest killers.

She shed light on cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, liver disease, and high cholesterol in her simple quide to “peering into the future of your health”.

She told the Daily Express: “Early intervention also often means less invasive and more affordable treatments, making it easier on both you and the healthcare system.

Screenings can identify risk factors like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar, enabling you to make necessary lifestyle changes or start treatments early.”

Roughly 40 percent of cancers can be prevented, and detecting them early “makes a big difference” as they will often have a higher survival rate, such as localised breast cancer with a survival rate of 99 percent.

Dr Khalique advised: “Besides screening, simple lifestyle changes can lower your cancer risk. Not smoking and avoiding second-hand smoke are the obvious ones, but eating a healthy diet full of fruits, veggies, and plant-based foods is also key.”

Cardiovascular disease is the global number one killer, with nearly 18 million people dying of it, but your risk of having a heart attack or stroke can be reduced by up to 80 percent with early detection and preventative healthcare.

Dr Khalique explained: “Regular check-ups help manage high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, which are crucial for heart health.

Living a heart-healthy lifestyle with frequent exercise, a balanced diet, quitting smoking, and moderating alcohol intake is also vital.”

Diabetes is another massive global health issue that can also affect the eyes, kidneys, and heart. It affects over 422 million people, some of whom suffer strokes and must go through amputations.

Dr Khalique stressed how “essential” early detection and preventative screenings are when it comes to diabetes, as both can “significantly reduce complications and improve quality of life”.

She added: “Regular blood glucose monitoring and managing obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol are important steps.

Eating a balanced diet and staying active help maintain stable blood sugar levels and a healthy weight, which is crucial since obesity is a major risk factor for type two diabetes.”

Liver disease is another health issue impacting millions worldwide, with chronic liver disease and chirrhosis killing over 2 million people every year.

Dr Khalique said: “Early detection and preventative health assessments can catch liver conditions before they become serious. Regular liver function tests and managing risk factors like hepatitis infection, obesity, and alcohol consumption are vital.

A balanced diet, reducing saturated fats and processed foods, and regular exercise support liver health. Avoiding excessive alcohol and getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and B are also important preventative measures.”

Finally, high cholesterol, which is particularly bad in the UK – affecting around six in 10 adults, increasing their risk of heart disease and strokes.

Dr Khalique explained the best ways to catch it early: “Regular cholesterol checks and a proactive approach to diet, exercise, and weight management are key.

Eating a heart-healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins helps lower bad cholesterol [LDL] and increase good cholesterol [HDL], while cutting back on saturated fats, trans fats, and dietary cholesterol from processed and fried foods is also important.”