Written by: Katrien Pienaar
Taking time to check in on your health doesn’t have to be complicated. We went through the Discovery Vitality Health Assessment ourselves to see what it’s really like and found it is quick, easy, and beneficial. Here’s a simple, practical guide to how it works, how to book, and what to expect, plus why more people in Pretoria are making time for it.
There has been a noticeable shift in health in Pretoria over the past few years. It’s as if there is a growing awareness that we can’t take our health for granted anymore.
If there’s an opportunity to check in, more people are taking it. The Discovery Vitality Health Assessment is a simple, intentional check-in that forms part of the Screening and Prevention Benefit available to anyone on Discovery Health Medical Aid, not only members with Vitality. Here’s exactly how it works.
What is the Discovery Vitality Health Assessment?
It’s a set of quick, simple tests done at a clinic or pharmacy that gives you a clear snapshot of your health right now. The idea is to give you a moment to check in with yourself, to see where you are doing well and where you might want to pay a little more attention going forward.
Where to go in Pretoria and why it is so easy
Pretorians are lucky: There are so many places where you can do your assessment that it has become incredibly easy to fit it into your day. Whether you are near a Discovery Store, popping into Clicks or Dis-Chem, or visiting selected Arrie Nel Pharmacy Group and Van Heerden Pharmacy Group stores, chances are you are already driving past a place that offers it.
How to book
You can either book through the Discovery App, which shows all available locations around Pretoria, or simply walk in at any accredited location without an appointment. You can also phone ahead to confirm availability. There may be a short wait if someone is ahead of you, but generally it is quick and easy to get seen. Some providers like Dis-Chem also allow you to book directly through their own app.
How long does it take
The assessment usually takes between 10 and 20 minutes, depending on how much you chat to the nurse, which can add a few extra minutes, especially if you end up chatting as I did.
What do you need to take with you
All you need is a form of identification and your medical aid number, and you are good to go.
What to expect
The process itself is very straightforward. A nurse will take you through a series of quick checks:
- Weight and waist circumference
- Blood pressure
- Weight and height (to calculate BMI)
- Cholesterol and glucose, a quick finger prick
- HIV test, optional
If you are over 65, they will include a balance test as well.
You will also answer a few simple questions about your eating habits, your smoking status, and how active you are.
Once everything is done, your results are ready within minutes. You go through them with the nurse, and they will explain what everything means, especially if anything is slightly out of range, what to look out for, and whether it needs follow-up.
A few insider tips
- It is best not to eat for about two hours before your assessment to ensure your glucose reading is as accurate as possible.
- If you are on Vitality, it is also an easy way to earn a solid boost of points, which is a great added benefit.
- If you plan to walk in and would prefer not to wait, consider going mid-morning or mid-afternoon.
With so many locations across Pretoria, the Discovery Vitality Health Assessment is easy and worthwhile. If you're on Discovery Health Medical Aid and haven't yet, it’s well worth making the time for it.