Health Screening
| June 14, 2012 | Posted by Carrie under FitFluential, Fitness Friday |
I talk a lot here about eating healthy and exercising. Those are definitely key components to being healthy.
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But, there’s a lot going on inside these amazing bodies of ours. Some of it is out of our control.
We do the best we can to take care of the things within our control. For everything else, the medical world has given us some amazing diagnostic tools to stay on top of what might be going on inside our bodies. A regular schedule of health screening is also a major component to your health.
These past 2 weeks, I’ve spent a lot of time with a really good friend of mine whose husband was diagnosed with colon cancer. He had the tumor removed on Tuesday. They don’t have details yet on the treatment plan.
His cancer was discovered through a routine Colonoscopy. He is 52 years old. It is recommended to have your first Colonoscopy at age 50. This was his first exam. His wife has been on his case to get the test for two years. He finally went. Who knows what would have happened if he had gone on time?
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I have another friend who is battling breast cancer (well, I have a few, this is just one story). She has a family history of breast cancer and was diligent about performing self exams. She caught her own tumor while doing a self-exam.
I have joined the ranks of those on a regular mammogram schedule. I went for a baseline exam when I was 35 (I have some family history) and now that I’m 40, I go every year. Getting my boobs squished isn’t comfortable, but neither is cancer treatment.
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My childhood Rabbi passed away four years ago after a long battle with Colon Cancer. He was an amazing man. He had been my Rabbi since I was in Kindergarten. He performed my Bat Mitzvah (and MMT’s Bar Mitzvah), he married us and he named both of my children. Before his passing, he became a huge advocate for regular colon screening. He is sorely missed and he would chuckle that I think of him every time I urge someone to spend a day in their bathroom and then go get tested.
I did some research into all of the preventative screening test options that are out there. Things like blood pressure, cholesterol, cervical cancer, eye health and diabetes. These are all relatively simple procedures. Each of them can be a source for early detection and could potentially save your life or the life of your loved one.
The Mayo Clinic has a tool on their website where you can put in your gender and your age and it will tell you what kind screening tests you should undergo and when. Check it out here.
What kind of regular screening do you do? To all of my friends (and family – you know who you are) who are over the age of 50, please go get a Colonoscopy. It’s one day of your life. Do it for your family. Take care of yourself.
Get regular check ups, pap smears, dental exams, eye exams. All the regular stuff. Please do everything you can to take care of yourself. Spread the word.
Thanks for visiting from Jill’s Fitness Friday Blog Hop.
Disclaimer: I’m not a doctor, I’m not a medical professional. I’m a person who wants those around me to stay healthy and be around for a long time. Please consult with a medical professional about the information I presented above.
I hear ya sistuh! Prevention is always better than cure. I successfully nag my hubster to get all his screenings as I want him around as long as possible. Your post could save lives!
KymberlyFunFit recently posted..Workout for Dads
Oooh, I nag my family all the time. That’s pretty much what prompted this post.
Great post! And so true–these are all simple things we can do. I am a BIG believer in getting the regular tests done. I’d add a skin cancer checkup in there too. I do that annually and have now had two moles removed as a result. Simple to do and can prevent the really bad stuff down the road.
misszippy recently posted..What I’m loving right now
Skin cancer screening! That’s so important. One I bug my husband about a lot. I’ve had one mole removed and it’s really no big deal.
Very informative post. I know so many people who don’t go for routine check ups or screening of any kind. They often tell me they would know if something is wrong. NO YOU DON’T! I tell myself all the time if I can afford the time and money to do all the “fun” stuff, then I have the time and money for preventative stuff too. It’s just being smart and responsible. IMHO.
Julie (@ROJRunning) recently posted..Friday Food : Rainbow Green Smoothie
There are so many things that we wouldn’t know were going on. The suckiest thing is that there are still a few hidden threats that don’t present for a long time, but we have to do what we can.
Your point is so good: if you have $ for fun stuff, you have $ for preventative care.
I hear ya. My Father in law died two years ago this June from colo-rectal cancer. He had all the warning signs something was wrong but refused to go to the dr b/c “he didn’t have time” well….
Heather recently posted..My Fitness Bucket List
Oh no. I’m so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing, it’s so important.
In my 20s, I often wish I were doing more, feeling like I’m not doing ENOUGH, simply because I “don’t need it yet.” I’m definitely over-cautious with health issues and prevention, so as soon as my recommended annuals kick in, I’ll be there.
Meredith @ Dare You To recently posted..Wake up with A.M. Yoga
Great job being vigilant. There are still some things you can do – skin cancer, pap smear, eye exam, dental exam…
Yep, those I do!
Meredith @ DareYouTo recently posted..Wake up with A.M. Yoga
My regular exams without fail are pap smears, mammograms, blood work for thyroid, dentist, eyes and dermatologist twice a year (I’m hight risk for skin cancer). I’m off to check out the Mayo Clinic link. Thanks!
Jill @ Fitness, Health and Happiness recently posted..Fitness Friday || My First 50K. The Longest Distance I’ve Ever Run.
Great job taking care of yourself. I keep forgetting about eye exams, I gotta get on that.
This is such an important message! Even when we’re taking great care of our bodies, we’re not exempt from health issues, and it’s so important to get checked and catch it early. So sorry for your friends, there seem to be more and more people dealing with cancer all the time!
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast recently posted..When to call it quits?
Cancer sucks. We spent a lot of time cussing out cancer the other day at the hospital. Made my friend feel a little better.
exactly. an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Cat @ Breakfast to Bed recently posted..Fitness Companies, Let Me Tall You Something
Love that saying.
Super important topic for a post!
I’ve been going for mammograms since I was 38; the year my mother was diagnosed with and had a mastectomy for breast cancer.
My younger sister has recently had a bilateral and reconstruction, reminding me to never skip my annual appointment.
Tamara recently posted..Recipes and requests: dessert hummus, healthy granola, monthly newsletter and a YouTube video
I love hearing how my favorite bloggers use all these tools to be proactive about their health. Thank you for sharing.
As scary as your article is, it’s very eye opening on so many levels. Sometimes, we take good health to much for granted!
Kodjo recently posted..Mommy Makeover – Reclaim Your Pre-Baby Figure
Thanks! It’s just interesting how many different components there are to good health.
Great post and a good reminder:)
hikermom recently posted..Free Rant Friday
I’m glad so many people are listening.
Great reminders and link. As someone who works in health care I think the newish push towards prevention again is long overdo. The biggest downside of my job is seeing all the people who could have prevented (or at least tried) many of the things causing their hospitalization.
There are so many available tools, we just need to use them. The rest is out of our hands. Thanks for sharing.
I totally agree with, prevention is so important!! My father is a doctor and refuses to get a colonoscopy, I am so angry about it.
But I do disagree with the mayo clinic link. It said as a 27 yr old woman I should have a pap every TWO years, and nothing extra if I have a history of cervical cancer in my immediately family. I definitely think every woman should have a pap every year. I had a scare once and it was enough to make sure I NEVER miss a yearly ever again.
Kelly @ Cupcake Kelly’s recently posted..Fitness Friday: My Fitness Bucket List
I’ll join you in kicking your dad in the butt.
Weird about the 2 year pap smear. I seem to remember reading that recommendation somewhere. I disagree as well. I bet it’s an insurance company thing.
so sorry about your friend’s husband
for me mammogram every year since I am 35
and I have 2 MRI per year for my kidney tumor…hopefully after the next one it will be once a year
I am already nagging my husband about the colonoscopy and we still have 5 yrs before he turns 50!
Caroline Eakle recently posted..Mizuno Mezamashii Project!
Yay for being on top of problems. I don’t doubt that your husband will be there in 5 years.
Carrie — thanks for the gentle reminder! I think that we avoid the doctor for several reasons — (1) the feeling of invincibility, the “it won’t happen to ME!” attitude, and (2) fear.
My mom, who is over 50, still has not gone for a colonoscopy. I keep trying to get her to do it, but she is afraid that they WILL find something. It’s frustrating, but I can understand her fear. A good friend of ours died of colon cancer the year before last, and instead of making her MORE willing, I think it actually made her more scared.
However, I think it’s much better to find out and to DO something about it before it gets worse!
Travel Spot recently posted..My Bucket is Half Full
Fear is a big thing. I’m all about knowledge is power. I hope you can get your mom there soon.
Great news from my friend this morning, they are staging her husband’s cancer as Stage 1 meaning they got it all and he doesn’t have to undergo any more treatment. All the more reason to get screened, if this had gone on much longer undetected, it could have been *really* bad.
Both my grandfathers died due to colon cancer. My maternal grandfather had his affected areas removed and treated and he did his follow ups for a year. Then he decided since he was cancer free, he felt he didnt need to go anymore. Wouldn’t you know, he wasnt feeling well for a few weeks. Thinking he was low on B12, my aunt (nurse) would give him shots. But it was the cancer, it came back he did chemo. But it,spread like wildfire throughout his body and brain and he passed within 6 months. I forgot what they call that type of cancer thats spread like that, but my aunt said its the most destructive. Because it doesnt matter where it starts its the progression state that kills quicker. I think Im the only one who has been going for screenings since I was 31. A few small issues, they have been taken care of. Im not going down without a fight. This is a great reminder for all to get check ups. I have had them all but the boob one. yikes. gonna do that this year though.
Lilli Toby recently posted..Inspire
Isn’t it funny how we get so diligent about one area and then forget another. So many things to remember. Great job on the screenings, I hope you get in for a mammogram soon.
Prevention is key! From regular doctors visits, to dental checks, I try to go in regularly. I also think nutrition check ups are super important and recommend a yearly visit to a dietitian. Just another great preventative measure.
Kati @ Around the Plate recently posted..Is Your Job Sabotaging Your Health?
Ok, silly me for not thinking of that one. Of course! Excellent!