Game Changers: The Conscious Culture Volume 1 Issue 6 | Page 9

Speaking of Your Health
by Shana Thornton
I can rattle off count-
less health statistics but
I would rather speak to
your heart about matters
of health. Let's spotlight
the part of our lives which
really should be a top pri-
ority. Now you may argue
that certainly other values
have precedence in your
life. I certainly have other
priorities as well. Yet
the notion of the chicken
and the egg comes to my
mind. Life is so precious
and our health is certainly
not guaranteed to be in
check tomorrow. With-
out question, our health
status has some signifi-
cant impact on longevity.
Now, it's not the only
determinant in the picture
but it plays a vital role.
So, I dare ask an uncom-
fortable question. Why
do some adults dismiss
medical matters?
There are definitely some
valid reasons. Some
individuals have shared
with me that they have
economical reasons and
accessibility dynamics.
These are completely un-
derstandable and unfortu-
nate concerns. I have also
been told by some people
that they don't have the
time to stop for important
medical appointments. I
have been told by a few
completely honest indi-
viduals that they were
afraid to hear any poten-
tially negative news about
their physical health.
We all want good health.
No one looks forward to
bad news. But a leading
oncologist recently told
me on air that ignoring
the possible bad news
doesn't erase it. It's a
tough statement but a
real one that hopefully
will encourage us all to
keep our preventative
care appointments and
even follow up with a
medical call back. Some
statistics can instill fear.
I'd rather remind us all
that we have loved ones
who want to see us here
as long as possible. I
certainly acknowledge
that we can do everything
within our power and still
face health challenges.
Yet, I feel better knowing
an attempt was made.
After all, we owe it to the
people who love us to
give it our all. You matter.
Live well!
Shana Thornton is an
award-winning digital
journalist. Check out her
news talk radio program
at www.ltaradio.com.