Hey everyone! It’s a new year, new you, and new resolutions! I know many of you are working towards your new year resolutions for 2018. After a while it all becomes a cliche…..”lose weight” or “save money” or “quit smoking” or “finding love”. There is nothing wrong with making new goals for the new year but what are YOU doing to stay healthy??? Hmmmm

I work with many adult clients with chronic health issues (diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, celiac disease, etc). Maintaining the symptoms of these types of conditions can be stressful at any time. However, there could be other things about your health that you may be ignoring. Annual health screenings can include but not limited to cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, Pap Smear, sexually transmitted disease, vision exam, etc. Understand that regular medical screenings can detect other health issues early and can be use as a treatment measure as well.

Recently I had a colonoscopy done without sedation. I have a family history of colon polyps and because of my age, I think it would be appropriate to get screened. To be honest with you, I was happy to get this procedure while I was awake because I can see how my body functions, and it helps me become more involve in my health. Needless to say, I left the doctor’s office with confidence!

So what are you waiting for? You have insurance, you can request time off from work so you can make your medical appointments. More doctors are making themselves available in late evenings and weekends. At the end of the day, you have the control to maintain your health. Many people who I spoke to cringe when they heard my story about the recent colonoscopy. My response to them “I rather have a gastro-intestinal doctor shove a camera tube up my butt for 30 minutes rather sitting in an oncologist office discussing chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery”. Something to think about!