\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhoto by Janine LeGal<\/p>\n
Correspondent Janine LeGal writes that she has found the courage to act on things her body has been telling her.<\/p><\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n
So, this year I decided it was time to grow up and face my fears head on. At 62, I had my first mammogram. I\u2019d made an appointment to get one last year at this time but couldn\u2019t bring myself to go through with it \u2014 but I was able to do it this year. I was scared, not only about the test itself but the aftermath. I got called back and will be going for more tests, which doesn\u2019t necessarily mean a cancer diagnosis, but it certainly has a way of bringing on heart palpitations. Breast cancer runs rampant in my family, so the fear is real.<\/p>\n
Because I didn\u2019t have a family doctor it became urgent that I find one, as additional tests can\u2019t be ordered without a doctor. So, I did what I had to do and signed on with the first one I could find. Not ideal, but that\u2019s what I get for procrastinating. He immediately requested the usual blood and urine tests. Results from those showed some levels were way too high and some way too low. As generally happens, medications were encouraged but, being the stubborn old hippie that I am, I insisted that I first try natural remedies and lifestyle changes to deal with those particular issues.<\/p>\n
He\u2019s given me three months to show improved levels or prescription medications will be necessary. He\u2019s alright, this doctor, and even agreed to work co-operatively with the naturopath I\u2019m now seeing, thanks to my partner\u2019s insurance plan. (I wish everyone had access to that kind of holistic care \u2013 she\u2019s been incredibly helpful).<\/p>\n
I got a good talking-to about the importance of physical activity, from both doctors. I had fallen into a real slump over the last few years. My excuse was always that my work involves being at the computer all day, every day, so how can I possibly have time to exercise? Well, it turns out that not moving can cause all kinds of health issues. And it certainly did with me. From increased anxiety to chronic insomnia, and growing aches and pains \u2013 among more serious concerns. So, now I\u2019m faced with needing to make big changes in how I live, or else take several prescription medications, all of which have side effects I\u2019d rather not experience.<\/p>\n
I\u2019ve implemented immediate changes, including 30 minutes of daily aerobic exercises and regular weight-training workouts. I\u2019m cutting out many of the things I\u2019ve loved a little too much \u2013 potato chips, salt, and sweets. Anything processed will no longer be consumed. And green vegetables are my new best friend. All this takes time and effort and the ability to focus and have the resources to do so, and not everyone has that. I wish we all did.<\/p>\n
I feel better knowing that I\u2019m finally being truly proactive about every aspect of my health. And I know that it may not be enough. Some of it is genetics, some of it is just beyond what we can overcome, and some of it just plain luck. We need assistance from the medical system. And despite all the criticisms about ours, we do have access to health care when something doesn\u2019t seem right.<\/p>\n
Navigating through health scares is an isolating kind of thing. I\u2019ve had a few pity parties already but I\u2019m back to focusing on getting healthy and hopefully not having to deal with any more scary test results. But if that happens, I\u2019ll likely write about that, too.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019ve been putting off seeing a health-care professional, no matter how old you are, please remind yourself that you matter. A check-in and check-up are better than checking out.<\/p>