Forewarned is forearmed when it comes to your health

Don't stick your head in the sand, say 80s music legends Martin and Shirlie Kemp as they team up with Bupa to help launch fascinating new medication and DNA screening

- BY KAREN ROCKETT

No one wants to hear bad news when it comes to their health, which explains why four in 10 Brits regularly try to ignore any medical worries. And "white coat syndrome", where someone feels acute anxiety in a medical environment, is also all too real.

A recent study of 2,000 adults revealed 45% have never spoken to relations about a family history of illnesses. Another 26% admitted they have avoided routine screenings partly due to a fear of what they might find out. Others say they find tests too overwhelming to think about.

At the other end of the spectrum, one in five of us don't worry about our health at all because they have no noticeable symptoms - yet. A significant number simply believe "ignorance is bliss", according to the research carried out for private healthcare provider Bupa via OnePoll.

Worryingly, it found 35% of those who admitted to not paying attention to their health said it had led to something going unnoticed or undiagnosed longer than it otherwise might have.

The study was commissioned to support the launch of Bupa's new health checks, which are being promoted by Spandau Ballet star and actor Martin Kemp and his wife Shirlie, formerly of Wham!

After enjoying the hedonistic 80s, the couple, now both 63, try to live a quiet and healthy lifestyle.

Knowledge

The new tests include a medication check, a DNA health check and advanced DNA health check.

The couple have so far only taken the medication test but are keen to follow up with a DNA test to maximise their knowledge about their own health.

Martin, who was diagnosed with two brain tumours in 1995 after finding a lump on his head, says: "I find advances in medicine fascinating and this feels like a great step forward. It feels like we are on the cusp of something truly exciting."