The Spice of Life
I think we can all agree that life is just too short! One day you're here and the next day you're gone. So we must take care of ourselves in order to make the best of our days and years. There are things that we can do personally and some things for which we must seek professional guidance. In this issue we will look at the basics and start the conversation.
First of all, get comfortable with your own body. Both men and women should perform regular breast and skin exams. Know your baseline. That is, what you and your doctor have found to be normal for your body. Look for lumps, bumps, bruises, moles, dry areas, moist areas, rough patches, hot spots, and swelling just to name a few. If any of this changes from your baseline, report them to your doctor for medical advice.
Next, know your risk and act accordingly. Some people have a higher risk for certain medical conditions and may need more frequent or extensive screenings but here are some that apply to pretty much everyone. At least once a year, you should get a complete physical exam. You should be tested for high blood pressure, anemia (a.k.a. low blood), diabetes, high cholesterol, thyroid function, BMI (height and weight to determine obesity), hearing, vision, and STD's. Have normal dental checkups and cleanings. And please don't forget to discuss your mental health and talk to your doctor about mood swings, depression, "bad nerves", suicidal thoughts, hallucinations, etc.