Protect yourself from the top five risks
Cut down on alcohol consumption, quit smoking and go for regular checkups
At every stage in your life you will be exposed to a certain level of risk. Whether you’re starting out at a new job, raising your first child, putting your children through university or preparing for retirement, there are unexpected risks that could derail you if you are not adequately prepared.
Dr Philippa Peil, chief medical officer at Liberty, takes you through some of the most prominent risks Liberty customers face in their life stages and how you can protect yourself.
Young Achievers (millennials 21-34 years old)
The top five risks Young Achievers claimed for was cancer 15.2%, retrenchment 11.7%, car accidents 9.7%, cardiovascular 9% and central nervous system and strokes 6.2%. Each of these claims can affect you in a different way depending on your health at the time of diagnosis or injury, and how early you detect it.
Excessive drinking can increase your risk of high blood pressure, strokes and mouth, throat, liver and breast cancer. If you are a young achiever, there are certain lifestyle changes you can make today to reduce the risks that you are facing:
• Set a goal of having alcohol-free days in the week
• Limit your alcohol intake at parties and every time you have a drink
• Have a glass of water between alcoholic drinks
• Find activities to keep you fit and energised
Young Parent (Generation X1: 35-44 years old)
Cancer and cardiovascular diseases are the main concerns for Young Parents at 24.4% and 14.7%. Retrenchment claims are at 9.3%, central nervous system conditions at 9.3% and musculoskeletal at 5.8%.
Peil says: “Given that cancer is the most serious risk facing policy holders it is important to discuss lifestyle changes with your doctor that can reduce the risk of cancer.”
According to Peil, you can reduce your risk of cancer by adopting some of the following healthy behaviours:
• Cut down on smoking or avoid it completely
• Include a 150 minutes moderate exercise a week or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise — 60 minutes a day
• Eat healthy foods and in moderation to maintain a healthy weight
• Visit your doctor for cancer screenings and to discuss any health concerns.
Established Provider (Generation X2: 45-54 yrs)
Once again, cancer makes up the biggest portion of claims for Established Providers at 26.2%. It is closely followed by cardiovascular conditions at 22.2%, central nervous system and strokes at 9.2%, and musculoskeletal diseases at 5.6%.
Peil says: “At this stage of your life, it is important that you continue to follow a healthy lifestyle and go for regular check-ups and take serious care of your body. Prevention is better than cure, but it is also important to identify any serious illnesses as early as possible.”
Peil recommends that you take the following steps to ensure that you stay on top of your health:
• Check your skin for new moles or changes to moles you already have and irregular lumps
• Men and women over the age of 50 should have colonoscopies every five to 10 years
• Women over 40 should start having mammograms done and thereafter at intervals recommended by their doctors
• A Pap smear test combined with an HPV test should be done every five years until age 65. Ask your doctor for more information on Pap smears.
Empty Nester (Mature Affluent 55+yrs)
Cancer and cardiovascular claims amount to more than 50% of all claims for Empty Nesters. Cardiovascular conditions make up the majority of claims in this segment at 23.7%; it is followed closely by cancer at 23.3%.
At this stage in your life, it is important to remain active, visit your doctor regularly and keep a close eye on your health. It is also important to get all your personal finances and administration in order to reduce the level of financial stress in your life.