With World Health Day commemorated on April 7, Bestmed Medical Scheme shared why South Africans shouldn’t ignore everyday health habits.

According to Bestmed, over 3 million premature deaths could be avoided through better prevention and healthcare.

“With more people being diagnosed with conditions like heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers, the real issue isn’t only access to healthcare – it’s the everyday habits that are quietly harming our wellbeing,” Bestmed shared in a statement.

Bestmed encourages people to implement simple preventive practices, such as eating well, moving regularly, going for routine check-ups, and managing stress, as these are among the most affordable and effective tools we have.

“Yet, they still don’t get the attention they deserve, whether in public awareness or policy,” Bestmed said.

This year’s World Health Day theme is ‘Together for health’ a phrase that reminds people to shift their focus from treating illness to preventing it in the first place.

“This day also gives us a chance to rethink healthy living, not as a nice-to-have, but as essential for our country’s wellbeing, especially considering lifestyle-related conditions are on the rise,” they said.