This question got me so much because I'm in the category of people that sing "health is wealth" consciously in words but never practicalize it by visiting a lab for a medical checkup. I can remember vividly that years ago when I visited the hospital because of a friend who was diagnosed of diabetes.
Ever since then, I have been living with the presumption that all is well with my health. When it comes to any hospital, I have lots of reasons I don't like opening and closing that door. The fear of falling sick if I visit the hospital is one, another is the feeling I get whenever I stay in the hospital for long. There is this dizziness I feel when I stay in a close-up room with too much artificial light, and that's what we see in almost all hospitals here.
All these are what keep me away from stepping in for any health checkup. I know that they are people who just naturally know something is wrong with them and need to visit a clinic or hospital to clear that doubt, but they won't just go until it gets to the level of lifting them from their bed to the hospital.
I remember the year 2021, I hardly fell ill, even if it was just something mild that counter drugs would regulate. I was mindful of things I eat and avoiding anything that could be a threat in the future. I didn't know I was battling with blood pressure; I didn't see the sign until one day I was in the lecture hall and I started feeling dizziness from nowhere.
In the process of trying to excuse myself from the class was when I went blank only to see myself in the class clinic. Only to wake up with the news that my blood pressure is high. I was shocked when the doctor broke the news to me with a series of questions like "Do you smoke? Do you drink alcohol? You have to reduce your salt intake?" The truth is that I noticed I was always feeling dizzy, but I continued attributing it to school until that day I collapsed.
That experience was what changed my mindset. The amount I spent to get back to my feet was what caused my regular clinic. It was last December that I checked my BP, and I still have plans to run regular checkups because it is important. Before this month runs out, I will be running random check-ups, as I know that would help me detect any deficiencies earlier than when it's too late.
Answering the question, when is the best time to go for a test? From my experience, I learned that no time is too early to go for a medical check-up. It's better early than when it's already late. For anyone that doesn't have any health problems, it's okay twice or once yearly but that can't be the same for anyone that frequently falls ill.
While check up is important for healthy living, what we consume, exercise and adequate rest are important for balance. Don't let anything stop you from checking up once in a while because knowing one's health status is more important than waiting until symptoms reveal it.