Regular Checkups
Even though I try to stay as healthy as I can, I still don’t like going to the doctor.
Nevertheless, I go every summer anyway for my routine check-ups.
Not to mention, Type II diabetes runs in my family, so it’s something I have to constantly be mindful of.
Annual blood work keeps me in check and also makes for an interesting and exciting (for me) challenge every year to try to lower my A1C (blood sugar) level through tweaks I make to my diet and exercise.
What about yourself? Are you getting your routine check-ups?
I hope so, but on the other hand, if you’ve been avoiding the annual doctor visit, I hope to offer a friendly, gentle nudge today because I care about your health and longevity.
If you want to live a long, healthy life, here’s what you need to stay on top of between the ages of 40-64.
According to medlineplus.gov, even if you’re healthy, you’ll want to visit your doctor to get these routine exams:
Blood pressure – once a year
Mammogram – every 1-2 years
Pap smear – every 3 years
Diabetes – every 3 years
Cholesterol – every 5 years
Colonoscopy – every 10 years
Note that if you’re at high risk for any of the above, you’ll want more frequent check-ups.
What’s more, you may want to get a bone density exam if you’re at high risk for fractures, as well as a skin exam if you’re at high risk for skin cancer.
Don’t forget about your teeth (at least once a year for cleanings, preferably twice) and your eyes (at least every two years, preferably annually).
It’s also worth mentioning that since lung and bronchus cancer is the most deadly cancer in women, you may want to get an annual screening for that, especially if you smoke or have a constant high exposure to pollution.
Finally, of course, if anything runs in your family (like me with diabetes), you’ll want to be on top of these things more often.
It’s important to always consider how small, consistent lifestyle changes can dramatically improve your long-term health and dramatically decrease your risk of cancer.
More on cancer next week.
In the meantime, if you haven’t yet, please schedule a doctor visit before the end of the year so that you can stay on top of your health.
The last thing you want is to wait until something happens.
If you’re not being proactive about your health, you will be forced to be reactive, which at that point, unfortunately, could be too late.
Avoid that by scheduling that doctor visit! You’ll be glad you did.
It’s Your Turn to Take Care of You,
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