IN 2021, 54-year-old Vaughn accompanied his wife to the doctor after she showed symptoms of COVID-19. While she planned to do an executive medical profile after recovering, Vaughn, feeling confident about his health, decided to get one done too, just to be sure.

Two weeks later, the results stunned him.

“My PSA levels were fine, but my cholesterol was borderline high, I was prediabetic and there were signs of kidney and liver issues,” he recalled. “I thought I was healthy, but I was dying. If I hadn’t done that test, I might be diabetic now with high cholesterol and hypertension, or worse, dead. I had two young children. That thought terrified me.”

Initially overwhelmed, Vaughn took his doctor’s advice to heart.

“I started exercising, cut back on fast food and snacks, ate more fruits and vegetables, and watched my portions. It wasn’t easy, but I had to make a change.”

Physician Dr Earl Brewster commended Vaughn’s decision, stressing that executive medical profiles are essential for men, especially those over 40.

“This comprehensive health assessment includes screenings for cardiovascular risks, diabetes, liver and kidney function, thyroid health, vitamin deficiencies, and PSA levels for prostate cancer,” Dr Brewster explained. “These tests are often covered by insurance and can be done at accredited labs with a doctor’s referral.”

He emphasised that annual screenings are not just routine, they can be lifesaving.

“Many chronic diseases develop silently. Hypertension, diabetes and certain cancers often show no symptoms until it’s too late. Annual check-ups allow for early detection and timely intervention,” he said.

Dr Brewster also pointed out that ageing and lifestyle changes can shift health markers significantly.

“Even if your results were normal last year, stress, diet or ageing could alter your health. Tracking these changes helps us catch concerning trends early,” he noted.

Understanding one’s unique health baseline is also critical.

“Everyone’s ‘normal’ is different. Regular screenings help you and your doctor recognise what’s typical for you, making it easier to spot red flags.”

Hugh Reid, managing director of JN Life Insurance and a vocal advocate for men’s health, echoed the importance of executive profiles.

“Executive medical profiles are designed to catch health risks early, giving men a chance at a healthier life,” Reid said. “Men have a lower life expectancy than women, and data shows higher mortality for men in their 60s. Many suffer from undiagnosed or poorly managed non-communicable diseases. Regular check-ups, especially executive profiles, are a powerful tool to change that.”

Reid pointed out that one overlooked advantage of buying life insurance is that in many cases, various medical and lab tests are done as part of the underwriting process at no cost to the prospective life insurance applicant.

“In fact, it is well-known that the famous basketball star Magic Johnson discovered his HIV status when he did an insurance medical!” Reid pointed out.

Now almost five years after his health scare, Vaughn is the healthiest he has been in years.

“My cholesterol is normal, I’m no longer prediabetic, and I feel great. I tell all my friends, especially those over 40, to get an executive medical profile. You might just save your own life,” he shared.

Dr Earl Brewster stressed that executive medical profiles are essential for men, especially those over 40.