Total Health Package

This month has been about stepping up to the total health package!

Men, this is where you might want to check out.  If the word mammogram freaks you out--then consider this your warning!

I had my annual OBGYN, at which time I scheduled my annual mammogram and requested (yes, actually ASKED for it!) my first colonoscopy.

I would like to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist too.  I think my body should be examined for any potentially dangerous moles.  After all, I've worshiped the sun for most of my life.

It's not enough to just change my eating.  That doesn't solely bring about optimal health.  And, remember, optimal health is my goal.

When my mother was a young woman, still in her 40's--funny how that's now young to me--she was diagnosed with breast cancer.  In those days, that was nearly a death sentence.  But, thanks to experimental treatment, my mom is now going to celebrate her 74th birthday on February 7th.

My father was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2000.  It was a very rare and horrible type of thyroid cancer.  So rare, in fact, that the doctors here in Lancaster referred him to specialists at Johns Hopkins.  They gave my dad 6 weeks to 6 months to live--if he was "lucky."  He lived 5 more years.  He passed away on June 25, 2005, from brain cancer.

This year, my brother, who turned 51 in August, was diagnosed with colon cancer.  He is still going through treatment right now.

Cancer lurks ever closer to me.  It's close to my age.  It's in my same generation now.

It's not enough to lose weight.  I need to take charge of my health.  And that's why I decided that it is critical to start with early cancer detection.

Am I excited about being smooched and probed and examined?  Nope.

But is it worth it?  As my friend Melody would say, "Heck to the YES!"

What's that?  You know you need to schedule those same appointments for yourself?  Don't wait!  Take a stand for your health today.  And don't fear what might be found.  Trust God for what comes next.