When we are busy, stressed, and the news is nothing but anger and sadness, it can be hard to remember that it is important to take care of yourself. And when I say take care of yourself, I mean mentally AND physically.
Do all the self care things that you need to do — drink the water, get the exercise, take the medication, do what you need to rest your brain. However, I’m going to use this space as your reminder to also get those important appointments scheduled on your calendar.
Are You Due for a Mammogram?
The recommended screening age for mammograms starts at 40, or earlier if you are higher risk (please follow your doctor’s guidelines). If you’re due for a mammogram, schedule it! It’s not that scary, I promise. Don’t put it off. If you’re supposed to go EVERY year, schedule it. If you’re supposed to start with your first one and you haven’t scheduled it yet because you’re apprehensive, schedule it!
I’ve gotten an mammogram every year since I turned 40, and will be checking off my seventh’s mammogram later this month. Last year, it literally took an hour, which included the drive there, waiting room, mammogram, drive home and a stop by Dunkin’ because squished boobies = earn a donut. It’s just a fact. I don’t make the rules.
Are You Due for a Mole Check?
Most people are supposed to get their moles checked once a year. If you haven’t done it this year, make your appointment!
I’ve talked about my dermatologist lots and lots on here and the fact that I’ve had over a dozen moles taken off my body. Mole checks are quick, easy, non-invasive and may literally save your life. Most people can go once a year, but if you’re like me and you have moles that really want to kill you… you get to do the most unsexy striptease ever every 6 months. Still worth it.
Are You Due for a Colonoscopy?
You might be due for a colonoscopy if you are 45 years old, or earlier if you are higher risk for colorectal cancer (please follow your doctor’s guidelines). Colorectal cancer often doesn’t cause any symptoms until it’s too advanced to treat effectively, so by having a regular colonoscopy they can hopefully catch any issues before they progress.
I’m going to be honest with you guys, I was supposed to go and get my first colonoscopy when I was 45, but I didn’t. And then, I was going to go when I was 46, but I didn’t. Why didn’t I do it? Well, part of the reason is that it’s scary. I’m not super enthused to have a camera put up my butt to check out my colon. Also, I hear the ‘prep work’ is pretty awful.
And finally, a really big reason I held off is that medical care is expensive. I had to have an upper GI scope done a couple years ago and the out-of-pocket costs were somewhere around $1,500. Last year, with Jack’s broken arm we ended up having almost $10,000 in out-of-pocket medical expenses, so the idea of adding to that number was not super attractive.
The good news is that I liked the gastroenterologist that did my upper GI scope, so I feel comfortable returning to him for a colonoscopy. I mean — I’m assuming he uses a different camera, right?!
So, I have told myself that 2025 is THE YEAR that I do it and check ‘first colonoscopy’ off my list. If you’ve gotten one done, please leave me a comment to let me know if it’s as scary as I think it is. Or any tips on how to reduce anxiety going into it!
Okay, so I have homework and you have homework. Please, please book your screening appointments.
Get the colonoscopy!! It is not as scary as you think. Prep isn’t fun but prevention is key.
I had my first at 28 and then had them every 3 years until 43. Now at 46 I am back to an every 10 year schedule. I lost a dear friend 2 years ago to colon cancer and he was in his late 40’s.
It’s a 2025 Goal!!
The colonoscopy is not as scary as you think. The prep is not fun but it’s better than it used to be. Just follow the directions exactly as written (you need to have the correct prep or you will have to reschedule and do it again) and have access to a bathroom at all times. I found the best time to schedule is mid morning (9:30-10:30a). Too early and you are have to get up in the wee hours in the morning to do more prep. Too late you might end up waiting because of delays. All this leads to a great nap in the afternoon.
Thank you so much for the tips!
With zero family history, my doctor just had me do the at-home test instead of a colonoscopy. Definitely a more affordable option if you are low risk!