feel like i've been at the doctor a lot lately for the random check-ups. having been so lucky (ugh!) to receive my first mammogram today (thanks to turning 35), i wanted to share some tips on staying super-healthy and, ideally, tranquil:
1. mammograms. considering it is breast cancer awareness month, i encourage you to ensure you're doing all you can to stay mindful of this issue.
2. annual skin check-ups at the dermatologist. hopefully you won't be doused with 95 chemicals but it will assist you with catching skin changes.
3. annual check-up with your OB/GYN.
4. regular blood work. thanks to doing some basic blood work that tested for all sorts of levels (iron, cholesterol, etc.) i found out that i had too much iron in my blood which could lead to big challenges down the road.
5. get your heart rate up. of course i'm a proponent of yoga but any activity that will elevate your heart rate and get you moving is a must-have. add this to your daily repertoire and your heart will thank you.
other suggestions you have? do share! i know there are so many ways to take care of ourselves. i've tried to cover the most critical that i've come across and wanted to share an article on 5 lifesaving tests too. here's to your hip and tranquil health!
5 comments:
I can so relate - seem to have been prodded and poked at the Drs an awful lot this year. I try and schedule the regular appointments the month of my birthday (end of the month) so they are booked and out of the way in time for my birthday. That way I don't forget to schedule them each year...
Thanks for the reminder... so important not to overlook these tests in our lives.
Don't forget to visit the dentist!
Oral health is closely linked to general health and vice versa.
There have been some studies that suggest poor oral health is linked to such conditions as diabetes and cardio-vascular disease. Also, gum disease in pregnant women may place the infant at higher risk of low birth weight and pre-term labour.
On the other side of the coin, such things as medications and nutrition can affect one's oral health as too can habits like smoking etc. A dentist may well be able to assist you in monitoring dental and physical changes with a regular check up.
oh my goodness, of course! i'm a big fan of the every 6 month visit - especially since my dentist offers oodles of special touches: wears pink gloves; offers a beverage at the end; gives a goodie bag full of floss, new toothbrush and toothpaste; and has headphones to listen to during drillings!
How about eye care too? I normally know that I need to get my eyes tested when I start getting headaches or I realise that I can not see the road signs so clearly (whoops!). Lots of additional conditions can be picked up through a regular eye check too...
Your dentist sounds the best - a goodie bag and headphones - really?!
When you have blood work, a Pap, or any other lab work done, make sure to follow up and get the results. Don't assume that no news is good news. I always talk to a doctor or nurse about my results and get copies mailed to me for my records. This is especially key if you move onto a different provider or don't see the same practitioners at every visit.
Also, if something is wrong and you can't get a straight answer from a doctor, please visit different healthcare providers until you do. I have chronic pain and it is hard to find someone who will listen to me and has knowledge about this area--in fact, I'm still trying (this is what brought me to yoga). But I know best about my own body so I'll keep looking until I can find the right help.
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