Pick Up the Phone

I haven’t been writing much lately. There’s a slow and painful thing happening, and it feels wrong to write about it.

My sister-in-law is in hospice. She’s been fighting cancer for more than a dozen years. She’s done it all — surgeries, chemo, radiation, experimental drugs. She’s fought hard, dealt with debilitating side effects, and finally, her body is giving out.

It’s terrible.

What I want to say to you…

Ladies, pick up the phone and make an appointment for a mammogram and pap test.

Gentlemen, pick up the phone and get an appointment for a prostate exam. Do it.

Everyone over 45, get that colonoscopy booked. Put it on your calendar.

Everyone, no matter your age, book an appointment with a dermatologist. Get checked scalp to toes. Your skin is your largest organ! Don’t overlook it!

No matter your age, get a full blood workup. See if anything is out of normal ranges. Check your fasting glucose (and plan to actually fast before getting the test). Ask for the hemoglobin A1C test and check that level — it’s so important to get a feel for your metabolic health. See my blog Are You Metabolically Healthy? to help understand the findings.

If you smoke or did in the past, talk to your provider about the low-dose CT scan for lung cancer. More info in my blog Stamp Out Lung Cancer.

Many cancers are treatable if caught early. If you have medical insurance, these screenings will be fully or mostly covered.

Finally, check yourself. Are there any lumps? Check your neck, throat, etc. Are there any spots on your skin? A weird mole, perhaps? Are you feeling easily winded or tired after light exercise? Does your sweat smell different? Are you shaky when you miss a meal? Unexplained headaches? Notice these little signals and discuss with your doctor.

Please don’t delay. ❤️ Your health and life are precious.