At the Hac Thanh Convention Center, a large number of Thanh Hoa residents arrived early morning for medical examinations. The participants were diverse, mainly workers and office staff aged 25-45, alongside seniors and veterans.

Residents received various examinations, including general internal medicine check-ups, blood sugar, blood fat, and uric acid tests, general abdominal ultrasound, electrocardiogram, chest X-ray, bone density measurement, and ear, nose, and throat examinations. The program also included screening for HP bacteria, a common cause of stomach ailments. For cases with abnormal signs, doctors recommended gastrointestinal cancer screenings.

Many residents lined up for health check-ups. Photo: Hien Hieu

A new feature this year was the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in diagnosis, utilizing questionnaire data and rapid test results to assess the risk of non-communicable diseases and gastrointestinal cancer. After their examinations, residents received nutritional counseling, guidance on adopting a healthy lifestyle, and medication prescriptions.

Le Thi Trang, Standing Vice Chairwoman of the Thanh Hoa Provincial Youth Union, stated that the program offers residents, especially manual laborers and workers who rarely have regular check-ups, access to quality healthcare services. This year's program continues to help people, particularly younger individuals, better understand digestive system diseases, which are becoming increasingly common and require proper attention.

Doctors collected samples for testing from residents at the event. Photo: Hien Hieu

Observations at the event indicated that many young people showed signs of digestive issues, with common conditions including HP bacterial infection, gastritis, reflux, and digestive disorders. Doctor Dao Thi Huong (71 Central Hospital) noted that many individuals came for their first examination and discovered HP infection. Most were unaware of the risk of transmission through daily eating habits.

According to doctors, many residents under 40 years old were advised to undergo further screening due to a risk of developing severe conditions. Busy lifestyles, skipping breakfast, consuming processed foods, staying up late, and working shifts are factors that put greater strain on the digestive systems of young people.

At the event, many residents realized that previously minor symptoms could indicate underlying health risks. Phan Thi Hanh, 42, from Sam Son ward, was diagnosed with HP infection and advised by doctors to undergo endoscopy to assess the risk of stomach ulcers. She stated that she previously attributed her heartburn and stomach pain to irregular eating habits. Hanh emphasized that the program helped her pay more attention to health screening and monitoring.

Quang Hau, 25, from Hoang Loc commune, is currently experiencing acid reflux due to irregular eating habits. Through the program, Hau received an examination from doctors and advice on diet and lifestyle improvements.

Many young people participated in the program. Photo: Hien Hieu

Doctors observed that the data collected during the event reflects a general trend: young people are significantly affected by industrial lifestyles, and early detection remains the most effective way to reduce the risk of severe illness.

Against this backdrop, the "Live Healthy Every Day 2025" event provides an opportunity for residents to access modern medical services locally and to enhance their awareness of proactive disease prevention and health protection.

Thanh Hoa is the second stop in the "Live Healthy Every Day 2025" series, following Hai Phong and preceding upcoming events in Ha Noi and TP HCM. Guided by a commitment to sustainable community partnership, Manulife and the Vietnam Youth Physicians' Association aim to expand free health check-up models, apply technology in health assessment, and foster awareness and early screening habits for a healthy life.

Hoang Dan

According to financial group Manulife, as average life expectancy increases but many people live with illness into old age, the group is promoting initiatives to improve public health across several countries. These efforts focus on developing solutions that help people live healthier as they age, while enhancing financial autonomy throughout different life stages. Most recently, the Manulife group launched the Longevity Institute, a global platform promoting programs to help people live longer, healthier, and more financially secure lives, with a commitment to invest 350 million Canadian dollars by 2030.

In Vietnam, the "Live Healthy Every Day 2025" event is part of the "Choose Green for Health – For a Truly Healthy Vietnam" community campaign launched by Manulife Vietnam. Its goal is to help young people raise awareness about digestive health and build a foundation for healthy living from an early age. This is also a key program for Manulife Vietnam in 2025, aligning with the group's overall strategic direction.