Every year, Self-Care Day falls on July 24 (24/7), reminding us that taking care of our health is something we can do every day, all year round. The World Health Organization (WHO) chose this date because self-care is something we can practice “24 hours a day, 7 days a week.” Over the past six years, WHO has encouraged people and countries around the world to use new methods and tools to make self-care a bigger part of everyday life.
Elderly men and women who engage in daily fitness routines embody self-care by maintaining their strength, mobility, and overall well-being. (Credit: Shutterstock)
Self-care means paying attention to your body, making healthy choices, and seeking help early if something doesn’t feel right. Thanks to new technology, self-care is becoming easier and more accessible, especially when it comes to catching health problems early. A good example is the work being done by BGI Group, which is helping people take control of their health by making early screening for serious diseases simple and convenient.
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common and dangerous cancers in the world, but it develops slowly, often over many years. At first, the signs can be subtle: a bit of stomach pain, changes in how often you go to the bathroom, or unexplained weight loss. Many people ignore these signs or think they’re caused by something minor, which means some don’t find out until it’s too late for the best treatment.
That’s why early screening is so important. BGI has created a colorectal cancer test that is simple to use and does not require any discomfort. With this test, you collect a small stool sample at home by following the instructions in the kit—there’s no need to go to the hospital or undergo any invasive procedures.
Once you’ve collected the sample, you send it back to the laboratory. The test works by looking for special changes in the DNA of cells that are naturally shed from your intestines and end up in your stool. BGI uses advanced technology to check for unusual patterns called "methylation" in certain genes that are often linked to the early development of colorectal cancer or advanced polyps. By detecting these changes, the test can find early warning signs of cancer—sometimes even before you notice any symptoms—giving you and your doctor a chance to act early for the best possible outcome.
When it comes to Alzheimer’s disease, early action is especially important because the condition cannot be reversed once it reaches a late stage. In fact, changes related to Alzheimer’s can start happening in the brain 20 years or more before any symptoms appear. If these changes are found and managed early, people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) have a chance to slow down or even improve their symptoms—studies show that 10% to 51% of such individuals can regain normal cognitive function with timely intervention.
To make early detection easier, BGI has developed blood testing solutions that looks for specific markers linked to Alzheimer’s disease. These tests help people understand their risk much sooner, opening up a greater window for early support and care. BGI also offers genetic tests to check for certain genes that may be linked to a higher risk of Alzheimer’s. By providing these cutting-edge tests, BGI is helping people take meaningful steps earlier—whether that means consulting a doctor or making lifestyle changes to protect their brain health.
Self-care isn’t just about medicine or technology—it’s about listening to your body, using the tools available to you, and taking steps to protect your health every day. BGI’s early screening services are making it easier for everyone to take these steps, turning the idea of self-care into something real and practical.
On Self-Care Day, let’s remember that looking after ourselves doesn’t have to be complicated. With trusted tools and a little awareness, each of us can take charge of our health—not just today, but every day.