Voice 1
Thank you for joining us for today’s Spotlight. I’m Liz Waid.
Voice 2
And I’m Joshua Leo. Spotlight uses a special English method of broadcasting. It is easier for people to understand, no matter where in the world they live.
Voice 1
For many people, visiting a medical doctor may be difficult. It may cost too much money. Or, it may mean a long and difficult trip. Sometimes, there are few medical workers in an area. But a visit to a medical doctor may also be the difference between good health and disability, or even death. Seeing a doctor early can prevent more serious health problems later. So when should a person get medical help? How does a person know when to go to a doctor?
Voice 2
Our bodies are complex systems. When something is wrong, our bodies tell us through special warning signs. Today’s Spotlight is on these signs. These signs tell us that we may be at risk. Some signs tell us to simply slow down and give our bodies a rest. But other signs tell us that we should seek help from a doctor.
Voice 1
Have you ever heard the saying, “Listen to your body?” This saying does not mean that we should actually listen to the sounds coming from our bodies. Instead it means that we should know our bodies. We should recognize when there are changes.
Voice 2
Imagine that you are on your way to work. Suddenly there is a burning, painful feeling in your chest. What would you do?
Voice 1
Chest pain is not normal. It is your body’s way of telling you something. This pain could mean different things. It could mean that you ate a meal that had hot spice in it, to add taste. The hot spices could be causing the pain. Or, the pain may tell you that you are having a heart attack. This is very serious - heart attacks kill many people. If you feel pain in your chest you should always see a doctor.
Voice 2
But sadly, many people ignore warning signs like chest pain. They do not see a doctor. They act like nothing is wrong. And many people suffer horrible effects when they choose not to see a doctor. But why would people ignore their body signs?
Voice 1
Well, experts believe that there are a few different reasons that people ignore their bodies’ warning signs. The first reason is fear. Many people are afraid to go to the doctor. They fear that something serious may be wrong with them. But a doctor’s job is to help. He or she can help find a solution to physical pain and sickness. And finding a solution can make a person less afraid too.
Voice 2
The next reason people do not listen to their bodies is embarrassment, or shame. Imagine going to the doctor with chest pain. And, the doctor tells you that the pain is simply from the hot food you ate the night before. You may feel ashamed. You may feel like you have wasted the doctor’s time. Many people avoid seeing the doctor because of these feelings.
Voice 1
But, people do not have to feel shame about going to the doctor. Doctors like it when people answer their bodies’ warning signs. Chest pain is serious. Doctors want to know about it, even if it is just caused by food.
Voice 2
Finally, people ignore their bodies’ signs because they do not know about the signs. Many people do not recognize when their body is trying to tell them something. So, they do not seek the help of a doctor.
Voice 1
One doctor from the Stanford University Medical Centre in California suggests that everyone learn the body’s top ten warning signs. It is true that there are more than just ten signs, but knowing the top ten is a good start. So get something to write with - and think about the people in your life. Think about ways to share these signs with the people around you.
Voice 2
Unexplained weight loss. Losing kilograms without trying is not normal. If you lose five percent of your body’s weight over a month, or ten percent over a year, see a doctor.
Voice 1
A lasting fever. Having a fever of thirty-eight degrees celcius or higher for more than a week is a sign. See your doctor.
Voice 2
Shortness of Breath. Is it hard to breathe when you are sitting or lying down? This is not normal. Explain this sign to a doctor.
Voice 1
Bowel changes. Going to the toilet more or less than what is normal for you could mean something is wrong. Recognize this change as a sign. See your doctor.
Voice 2
A new headache or a severe headache. Do not ignore a new pain in your head. Also, recognize if the pain is the “worst pain you have ever felt.” When there is a change, a visit to the doctor is a good idea.
Voice 1
Sudden loss of vision, speaking or movement control. Changes in the way you see, speak or move are warning signs. Even if the change only lasts for a few seconds, it is still a sign. Please see a doctor.
Voice 2
Strange bright lights in your eyes. If you see bright lights coming in and out of your eyes your body is giving you a sign. Go see a doctor.
Voice 1
Feeling full after eating very little. A full feeling in your stomach after eating very little food is not normal. Always feeling sick after eating is also not normal. These are signs. Ask a doctor about them.
Voice 2
Hot, red or swollen joints. Joints are places in your body where bones meet and connect. Your wrists, your knees, your shoulders, and your ankles are all joints. They should never feel hot, look red, or look bigger than normal. If they do, this is a warning sign. Listen to your body, see a doctor.
Voice 1
Mental Changes. Sudden changes in your behaviour or in the way you think may be a warning sign. Often, you may not recognize these changes yourself. But, a friend or a family member may recognize them. Listen to your loved ones and visit the doctor.
Voice 2
Our bodies are a special gift from God. And so are the warning signs. Listening to these warning signs is one step towards better health.
Voice 3
“Lord, I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
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