Dr Chris Aminarh Discusses The Importance Of Routine Health Screenings

A lighthearted yet deeply informative conversation on Culture Daily turned into a timely reminder about the importance of routine medical checkups.

In a discussion with Dr Chris Aminarh, the Culture Squad explored a simple but critical question: what exactly should we be checking in our bodies and when?

While humour filled the studio especially around surgery, dentists and intimidating hospital equipment, the underlying message was clear: fear and uncertainty often stop people from prioritising their health.

One of the major concerns raised was psychological. Many people avoid hospital visits because they are afraid of what doctors might find.

“Sometimes it’s not the test that scares people it’s the fear of the unknown,” Dr Aminarh explained.

Brain scans such as CT scans or MRIs are typically recommended when there has been: head trauma (falls, accidents, blows to the head), persistent memory loss, severe headaches, signs of stroke and neurological symptoms like confusion or seizures.

In some cases, minor head injuries that appear harmless can later cause complications due to internal bleeding. This is why post-accident observation is crucial, even if symptoms seem mild at first.

Beyond physical trauma, mental health evaluations are equally important. Persistent mood changes, memory decline, hallucinations, or behavioural shifts may require psychological or psychiatric assessment.

Routine brain scans are not always necessary due to cost, but a medical evaluation should be sought when symptoms arise.

Dr Aminarh emphasised that routine checks are not about expecting bad news they are about preventing it.

In regions where healthcare costs can be high, doctors rely heavily on accurate patient history to avoid unnecessary testing. Being honest and clear about symptoms helps reduce both cost and risk.

The takeaway from the studio conversation was simple:

Don’t wait until something feels wrong. Prevention is always easier than treatment.

And perhaps most importantly, hospitals are not as scary as our imagination makes them.