Well folks, it’s that time of year for me – time for all of my annual check-ups. When I was younger, this was something old people did, not me. I guess that makes me officially – old. But, it’s important to get tune-ups as we age. Stuff starts to break down and degenerate from all the wear and tear of life. Preventative medicine goes a long way in this day and age.
And, so my 55-thousand-mile / 55-year tune-up time has arrived. Since my cancer diagnosis and treatment, my list of tune-up experts has grown quite a bit. Not only must I get my yearly mammogram (ladies – if you’re not doing this – DO IT!!), but I must visit my oncologist, my radiation oncologist, my OBGYN, my ear, nose and throat doctor (I have Meniere’s Disease) and my family general practice doctor. I get stuck with needles for blood draws at more than one place. I get my boobs pinched and squeezed, I get my ears, nose and throat examined. I take a whole bunch of deep breaths. I get on those awful, brutally honest, scales everywhere I go. And, I get my girl parts parted, pressed and other unpleasant things.
But this year – this year is different. This year in addition to all the regular maintenance and tune-ups, I’m getting the full overhaul. I’m getting my plumbing flushed for my colonoscopy and I’m getting my spine re-aligned with 20 visits to the chiropractor to keep my chassis in balance. Oh, and let’s not forget those pearly whites, those babies get cleaned and picked at twice a year as well. No gum disease for me thank you very much. (Yes, it’s time for that again too.)
And finally, since I’ve basically been rehabbed everywhere else, I’m going to get my eyes checked too. Get my peepers examined and pumped full of orange dye to make sure I’m not getting that dreaded glaucoma. All I need is a facial and a seaweed mud scrub to get the outside shiny and bright and I’ll be basically like brand new.
That’s right folks, in just a few more weeks, I’ll be completely overhauled and ready to take on the world for another year.
Now, while this post was kind of in fun, there is a serious take-away from all of this: don’t neglect your health. Once things fall part, they may never be the same again. Mammograms save lives. Prostate exams save lives. Colonoscopies save lives. Cleaning your teeth saves . . . well, just have the hygienist clean your teeth. Please don’t put these things off. Yes, they’re unpleasant, but in the long run, they are some of the best preventative medicines out there. And I love you all, so please take care of yourselves.
Of sure, there’s eating right, drinking lots of water, exercise and all that, but even if you think you’re healthy, there might be something going on under the proverbial hood that you’re not aware of. Do yourself a favor, get a check-up. Do the screenings. Trust me, I’m living proof that preventative medicine (in my case a mammogram) will add years to your life.
So, tell me, are you going to your annual exams? Have I missed something on my list of body parts to tune up? Any horror stories to share that prove my point? Come on. Share and share alike.
Word of the Day: Xylidine
Fun fact about me: I’m thinking about shutting down my blog and just doing a once-a-month newsletter.
Original post by Jansen Schmidt, August 2019. Images by Pexels and Google Images.
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I feel your pain (literally and figuratively). I agree with this PSA 100%. I just checked my phone list. I see 11 different doctors over the period of one year, several multiple times. And that’s not counting the vet for the pups. I know why people retire in their sixties, there no time for work, just doctor visits.
Between joint replacements and other invasive procedures, my body is starting to look less natural and more custom made. I’ll mention one procedure that hopefully no one else will have to endure. I once had a bladder infection that needed to be scoped to make sure no cancer was present. It involved the doctor inserting and looking through a scope straight down through the male appendage with no anesthesia. I didn’t know until that day that I was capable of levitation. Sorry, but you did ask.
If you quit your blog, be sure to give us the newsletter url. Don’t want to miss your entertaining insights!
P.S. Just finishing my latest read, getting ready to delve into yours.
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Thanks for sharing Al. I know some of these exams are very unpleasant and nobody likes to go to those appointments, but in the long run they are very important. Sorry you had to endure THAT procedure.
As far as my newsletter goes, there’s a link in this post (and every post I make) to sign up for my newsletter. Just scroll up a little ways above where I have the links to buy my books and click on that link.
Blogging is one of those things that I’m thinking of “giving up” as I try to find more time to write my books. Between marketing and blog posts I’m spending way too much time and that whole sentence was just about as backwards as they come. Anyway, you know what I mean.
Thanks for visiting. Have a great – hopefully doctor-free – week.
Patricia
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OK. Got it.
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Glad you’re taking such good care of yourself, Patricia. It’s the only body you have. Take a suggestion from a friend two decades ahead of you, though. Add an annual examination by a dermatologist. I do that faithfully, even though she doesn’t usually find anything bad. A time or two, though, she had stopped something that would probably have turned into skin cancer.
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That’s a very good suggestion David. I’ve actually thought about asking my GP for a referral to a dermatologist for just such purpose. Good advice.
As always, thanks for visiting and contributing. Have a wonderful weekend.
Patricia
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You should definitely hit the spa after all those appointments to scrub and rub all the discomfort away…plus, none of those other places will paint a pretty color on your toenails.
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Funny you should mention that. I do have a pedicure scheduled for next week. The full spa experience will have to wait a bit though. My finances are not where they need to be for that indulgence.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your ideas. I love them. Have a great rest of the week.
Patricia
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Totally agree with your PSA – we have a friend who was 70, a bladder cancer survivor, and had never had a colonoscopy. Well, if he hadn’t had one at age 71, he would definitely not be here with us, because now two years later, he’s also a colon cancer survivor! Pro tip for the un-fun procedure: don’t use a drink you like for prep time. My husband used to love blue Gatorade, but now he can’t stand the stuff!
I will miss your blog if you stop, but I totally understand (says the writer who hadn’t posted a blog – or written fiction – in months).
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I love your tip – I was the same way toward the end of my cancer treatments. NOTHING tasted good and I refused to eat anything that I normally love because I didn’t want to associate it with that barf flavor. EVER. My husband tried to feed me chocolate and caramel candies and my favorite fruits and I told him no. I guess you don’t understand until you’ve been there. So, I totally get that one.
And, I’m right there with you on the not writing page. All I do lately (besides taking care of my dad) is write blogs and social media posts and marketing stuff for my book. I can’t seem to find a time balance to fit writing in somewhere. Moving is so hard. I didn’t even try to write when I was packing and taking care of all of that. It’s a full-time job.
Thanks for your support and kind words about my blog. I don’t really want to give it up, but I need to be writing on my books and that’s more important. We’ll see how things go when my dad goes back to California. I have a plan and he leaves this Saturday so here’s hoping I’ll develop a routine that includes writing.
Have a great rest of the week my friend.
Patricia
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This is great advice for any age. When I lived in Japan, every job had a mandatory health exam each year…I always wondered why we don’t have something similar in the west, I mean it’s so much better to check and catch these things early!!
I’m sorry to hear you might close your blog, but I am sure it’ll be worth it for your next book! I guess you can always come back and blog again once you finish writing it!?
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You are right Josy, no matter what your age, medical check-ups are vital. I think Japan is indeed on to something with the mandatory annual exams.
I’m not completely in love with the idea of discontinuing my blog, it’s just sometimes challenging coming up with clever new ideas that will be on interest. I hate putting in an hour or so on a blog and only have 2 or 3 people comment, but I know that’s just how it goes. Everyone is busy and some topics appeal to some people while others do not. I’m glad you appreciate the effort.
Thanks for visiting and sharing your thoughts. Keep on sharing your adventures. I love seeing new places through your camera lens.
Patricia
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All excellent advice here. I agree with your thoughts re blogs vs newsletter. Readers do not seem to be following blogs as they once did. Building a loyal newsletter following is a good path to follow! Onward!
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