Dr Fabian Chukwuemeka, a consultant family physician and head of the outpatient department at the Federal Medical Centre, Epe, Lagos, has urged business recovery and insolvency practitioners to prioritise their health alongside their professional commitments.
Speaking at a members’ evening organised by the Business Recovery and Insolvency Practitioners Association of Nigeria (BRIPAN) in Lagos on Friday, Chukwuemeka stressed the importance of regular medical check-ups, warning that delaying routine health assessments due to work could lead to serious consequences.
“Our health often cannot wait. Genetics may load the gun, but lifestyle choices pull the trigger,” he said.
He advised professionals to consider genetic predispositions when assessing risks for chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, and emphasised the value of preventive screenings for cancers, including prostate, colorectal, and breast cancer.
He also recommended vaccinations to prevent cervical cancer and highlighted that self-examinations, healthy eating, and lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of severe illnesses like lung cancer.
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Chukwuemeka underscored the need for early diagnosis, proper treatment, and regular monitoring to manage conditions such as ulcers and diabetes.
He noted that maintaining good health requires not only medical care but also adequate exercise, quality sleep, and regular rest.
“Futuristic health planning means taking proactive steps today to avoid critical health challenges tomorrow,” he added.
BRIPAN President Mr Chimezie Ihekweazu drew parallels between health and business, noting that failing businesses, like health issues, often show early warning signs, such as delayed salary payments, struggles with overheads, and failure to meet contractual obligations.
He urged the engagement of insolvency practitioners to provide expertise and support to rescue struggling businesses, particularly amid economic challenges.
“At our conference from Sept. 25 to 26, we expect insolvency practitioners, regulators, judicial officers, lawyers, accountants and bankers to attend,” he said, adding that the event would foster knowledge-sharing to sustain businesses and boost Nigeria’s economic performance.