Your body is talking — why ignoring subtle warning signs could cost you later

We’re often praised for pushing through pain, fatigue and discomfort — at work, at the gym and in daily life. But health experts are warning that this mindset may be doing more harm than good.

Wellness advocate Liezel van der Westhuizen unpacked why so many people ignore the body’s early warning signs — and how that delay can turn manageable issues into serious health problems.

She shared a common scenario from a gym class, where an injured participant continued exercising through significant shoulder pain, despite symptoms persisting for weeks.

“We’ve been taught ‘no pain, no gain’, but pain is not something you should train through,” she says.

Subtle symptoms are still signals

Fatigue, brain fog, bloating, headaches or mood changes are often dismissed as part of modern life. But they can be signs of deeper issues.

According to the 2022 South African Health Review, only 39% of adults feel confident interpreting basic health symptoms — leaving most people unsure when to seek help.

Liezel cautions against relying on ‘DoctorGoogle’ or self-diagnosis, which can delay proper medical intervention or lead to unnecessary panic.

Prevention beats treatment

Many serious conditions develop silently.

Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of death in South Africa, while diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol often show no symptoms until complications arise.

By the time you feel unwell, the problem may already be advanced. Regular screenings — including blood pressure checks, glucose monitoring, HIV testing, PSA tests and Pap smears — allow red flags to be detected early, when treatment is simpler, and outcomes are better.

Everyday habits that help you tune in

Simple practices can make a meaningful difference. These include keeping a brief daily check-in journal, tracking food and energy levels, monitoring resting heart rate and sleep, and following a ‘rule of three’: if a symptom appears more than three times a week, investigate it.

Even a mindful moment in the shower — doing a quick body scan — can help people notice what feels off before it escalates.

Research shows early detection can reduce long-term healthcare costs by up to 38%, reinforcing the value of proactive care.

Men, especially, need to listen

The discussion also highlighted how cultural expectations often discourage men from seeking medical help. While women are routinely encouraged to self-examine and attend screenings, men may see check-ups as a sign of weakness.

That attitude is slowly changing, with more men openly discussing health, mental wellbeing and vulnerability — especially among younger generations.

The takeaway

The message is simple: don’t wait for a crisis. Subtle symptoms are your body’s first attempt to get your attention.

Listening early, getting screened regularly and seeking professional advice — rather than self-diagnosing — could make the difference between a minor intervention and a life-altering diagnosis.

For more information, listen to Van der Westhuizen using the audio player below: