By Salma Khalik, Health Correspondent

WHEN times are bad and money is tight, the first things to go are non-essentials. In health care, this often means screening for ailments and vaccinations to prevent them.

But health screening should not be seen as a non-essential item. Delaying it slightly is not a problem, but skipping it entirely is not a good idea.

Screening gives early warning of impending problems. If caught early, many serious illnesses can be avoided or at least delayed.

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