Let’s Make Preventative Healthcare the Norm

This week, I had the pleasure of speaking at the Mid-Devon Expo about the value of having a yearly MOT, just like we do for our cars.

Now, I get it, an MOT is a legal requirement, but let’s be honest, it also serves a valuable purpose.

It highlights potential issues before they become serious. It reassures us that everything is working, allowing us to drive safely and confidently. And, of course, the government mandates it, reminding us that it needs to be done.

Yet, when it comes to our health, we often don’t apply the same proactive mindset. Instead, we wait until something feels wrong before taking action. We ignore the warning signs. A little bloating after meals? We brush it off. Feeling exhausted by mid-afternoon? Just a part of life, right? Brain fog creeping in? Maybe it’s just a busy week. But over time, these symptoms build up, and before we know it, we’re running on empty, often without even realising it.

Listening to the Warning Signs

Think about your car’s dashboard. If an amber light flashes up, you might acknowledge it but continue driving, assuming it’s nothing serious. The light might even go off temporarily, giving you a false sense of security. But does that mean the issue is fixed? Probably not.

Now, what if a red warning light appears? Would you keep driving, or would you pull over and get it checked immediately? Most of us would take action because we know that ignoring it could lead to costly repairs or, worse, a complete breakdown.

Our bodies work in much the same way. They give us warning signs long before things become critical. Yet, unlike our cars, we don’t have a built-in dashboard that tells us when we need a check-up. Instead, our bodies whisper at first, subtle signs like:

Bloating and digestive discomfort after meals
Sluggishness and lack of motivation throughout the day
Brain fog, making it hard to concentrate or remember things
Hunger pangs and energy crashes within hours of eating
Irritability and mood swings, especially when hungry or tired
Poor sleep and waking up unrefreshed despite getting enough hours

And when we ignore these whispers? They get louder. Over time, what starts as mild discomfort can lead to more serious concerns like chronic fatigue, burnout, gut issues, and hormonal imbalances.

Why a Yearly Health MOT Matters

We invest in car maintenance because we know that prevention is better (and cheaper) than a breakdown. So why don’t we do the same for our health?

A yearly health check isn’t about diagnosing disease; it’s about staying ahead of issues and optimising how you feel every day. Here’s why it’s worth doing:

1. Catch Issues Before They Escalate

Many health concerns develop silently, without obvious symptoms in the early stages. Take blood sugar imbalances, for example, feeling a bit shaky before meals or experiencing energy crashes mid-afternoon could be early signs of insulin resistance. Left unaddressed, this could progress into Type 2 diabetes over time.

Similarly, thyroid issues don’t always show up immediately with weight gain or fatigue. You might just feel a little slower, struggle to concentrate or notice brittle nails and dry skin. Regular testing and assessment can pick up subtle shifts before they become more challenging to manage.

Other areas where early detection is key:
✔️ Nutrient deficiencies – Low iron, B12, vitamin D, or magnesium can lead to fatigue, brain fog, and weakened immunity.
✔️ Hormonal imbalances – Signs like irregular cycles, mood swings, or poor sleep could be linked to hormone fluctuations that need attention.
✔️ Digestive dysfunction – Bloating, discomfort, or sluggish digestion can indicate food sensitivities, gut imbalances, or low stomach acid—issues that are easier to manage early on.

You can take small steps that make a big difference to your long-term health by checking in with your body before symptoms become overwhelming.

2. Feel Your Best, Year-Round

Too often, we normalise low energy, poor sleep, and daily bloating. We tell ourselves, "That’s just life," or "I’m just getting older." But what if you didn’t have to feel that way?

A yearly health check helps you assess whether what you’re experiencing is just a temporary dip, or whether something deeper needs addressing. It allows you to:

✅ Identify foods that work best for your body to improve digestion and energy
✅ Understand how your body responds to stress and support your nervous system accordingly
✅ Optimise your nutrient levels to prevent fatigue, mood swings, and inflammation
✅ Fine-tune your lifestyle choices so you feel your best all year, not just in short bursts

Many people wait until they feel truly unwell before seeking help. But wouldn’t it be better to feel consistently good rather than constantly firefighting your health?

3. Understand Your Body’s Needs

Your body isn’t the same at 40 as it was at 25. Hormones shift, metabolism slows, stress levels change, and what once worked for you might not be as effective now.

For example:
🔸 A diet that worked well in your 20s may no longer support your energy levels as you juggle work, family, or perimenopause.
🔸 Your ability to absorb nutrients may decline over time, meaning you need to be more mindful of your intake of iron, B12, or omega-3s.
🔸 Your stress levels and sleep patterns may be affecting your digestion, cravings, and weight, without you even realising it.

A yearly MOT helps you adjust accordingly rather than following outdated advice that no longer serves you.

4. Reduce Long-Term Healthcare Costs

We all know that prevention is better (and cheaper) than cure, yet many people only take action when symptoms become severe. Unfortunately, by the time things reach that stage, recovery can be longer, more expensive, and more complex.

Think about it:
💰 A simple dietary tweak today could prevent the need for medications later.
💰 Balancing blood sugar early may prevent diabetes later down the line.
💰 Optimising gut health now can prevent chronic inflammation, food intolerances, and autoimmunity down the line.

When you prioritise prevention, you invest in your long-term well-being, meaning fewer doctor visits, and fewer sick days.

5. Peace of Mind

Just like an MOT reassures you that your car is roadworthy, a health check provides confidence that your body is working efficiently. Instead of second-guessing or relying on quick fixes, you’ll have real data to guide your choices.

How the Wellbeing Kickstart Can Support Your Yearly MOT

If you’re ready to make proactive health a priority, my Wellbeing Kickstart is designed to help you do just that.

🔹 A 60-minute nutrition & lifestyle review – To assess your current habits, symptoms, and concerns
🔹 A comprehensive blood test – Checking vital markers like liver function, kidney function, thyroid health, full blood count, nutrient levels, and glucose balance
🔹 A 30-minute follow-up session – To go through your results in depth and create a personalised plan
🔹 Access to my 5 Steps to Boost Your Energy Levels in 30 Days e-course – To guide you through making long-lasting, sustainable changes

By taking a preventative approach, you can ensure that your body is functioning at its best, rather than waiting for issues to arise.

Are you ready to start your yearly health MOT? Book your Wellbeing Kickstart today and take control of your energy, well-being, and future health. Find out more here.

Final Thoughts

We wouldn’t dream of neglecting our cars because we know how important they are for our daily lives. Yet, for some reason, we often neglect our bodies, expecting them to run on empty without consequence.

A yearly health check is one of the best investments you can make, not just for your physical well-being, but for your energy, focus, and ability to show up fully in every area of your life.

Let’s make preventative healthcare the norm because you deserve to thrive, not just survive.

Author: Claire Thomas Registered Nutritional Therapist (BN (Hons), PGCert, PGCertEd, PGDiploma)

Categories: : boost your energy, busyness, eating well, empowerment