A consultant family physician, Dr Fabian Chukwuemeka, has urged business recovery and insolvency practitioners to prioritise their health as much as their businesses and careers.

Mr Chukwuemeka is also Head of the Outpatient Department at the Federal Medical Centre, Epe, Lagos.

He made the call on Friday during a Business Recovery and Insolvency Practitioners Association of Nigeria (BRIPAN) members’ evening in Lagos.

He stressed the importance of regular medical check-ups, warning that postponing routine health assessments due to work commitments could have serious consequences.

Mr Chukwuemeka advised business professionals to consider genetic predispositions when evaluating their risk for chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity.

He emphasised the importance of preventive screening for cancers, including prostate, colorectal and breast cancer, and recommended vaccination to prevent cervical cancer.

According to him, self-examinations, healthy dietary habits and lifestyle adjustments can greatly reduce the risk of severe illnesses such as lung cancer.

He said, “Our health often cannot wait. Genetics may load the gun, but lifestyle choices pull the trigger.’’

He stressed the need to manage conditions such as ulcers and diabetes through early diagnosis, proper treatment and regular monitoring.

He added that good health could be maintained not only through medical care but also adequate exercise, quality sleep and regular rest.

The physician noted, “Futuristic health planning means taking proactive steps today to avoid critical health challenges tomorrow.’’

Also, BRIPAN president, Chimezie Ihekweazu, said failing businesses, like health problems, often show early warning signs.

He noted that these include delayed salary payments, difficulty covering overheads, failure to meet obligations and performance issues with contractual commitments.

Mr Ihekweazu stressed that once warning signs emerge, insolvency practitioners should be engaged to provide support and expertise to rescue the affected businesses.

He said many businesses were failing due to economic challenges, while those showing some stability must be sustained.

He stated, “At our conference from September 25 to 26, we expect insolvency practitioners, regulators, judicial officers, lawyers, accountants and bankers to attend.’’

He said that the event would benefit practitioners, society and the economy, adding that knowledge shared could help sustain businesses and improve national economic performance.

(NAN)