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How Are You Taking Care of Your Health? The Importance of Personal Health Screenings and Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Writer's picture: Allyson BathalonAllyson Bathalon

breast cancer awareness

In recent years, I have been prioritizing my mental and physical health, making it a top focus. It is not always easy, and there is often a certain level of guilt that comes with taking time for myself.


Last weekend, we heard about the loss of a friend, taken from his family far too soon. For many of his friends, there is a feeling of being shaken to the core at such an unexpected loss. In a conversation recently with a mutual friend, she mentioned “You know there are things I write off too.  Chest pain, shortness of breath, whatever. But they are probably things I should take more seriously.”


This statement is true for many of us. We downplay discomfort, attributing it to stress, indigestion, or something else, and we go about our normal routines, neglecting our own health. Women, in particular, frequently prioritize others over themselves, but I urge you to think about the long term effects. Who would be most affected if something were to happen to you?


This summer, I underwent an unexpected gallbladder removal following a painful attack during a camping trip. Due to a family history of gallbladder issues, I checked in with my primary care provider and eventually had the surgery. At my follow-up following the surgery, my surgeon confirmed the necessity of the procedure, highlighting that my body had been coping with the problem for a while-something I was completely unaware of. The surgeon reassured me that taking action was the right decision and that I would benefit greatly from the surgery in the long run.


I am grateful for months like October, and the focus on breast cancer awareness. I enjoy seeing the pink gloves in baseball and football games on TV, and other bright pink reminders throughout the month. Hopefully, these reminders help women prioritze scheduling an exam. I am 42, and during my 30s, I lost a loved one close to my heart due to breast cancer. I also observed from a distance as two women I was close to during elementary and high school fought breast cancer. I hope they know how they served as a source of inspiration for so many, and are the reason that I personally am diligent in scheduling my own screenings.


Are you aware of the recommended screenings based on your age? Do you understand which screenings are crucial if there is a family history of a specific illness or disease? Have you scheduled or undergone any of these screenings in the past year?


I follow theSkimm, a news source developed by women, and they share really great information in chunks that make it easy to stay informed. This week they shared the this tool to help you determine what screenings you should have, based on age. Below are my results, and to emphasize my commitment, I am sharing my personal schedule with you:


Type of Screening

My Last Screening

My Next Scheduled Screening

General Health Check Up/Physical

November 2023-With a new doctor

November 2024

OB-GYN

September 2024

September 2025

Skin Exam

Never

**To Discuss with PCP

Dental Exam

May 2023

December 2024

Vision Test

March 2024

Not Sceheduled, but will be required to fill my contact prescription

Mental Health Screening

This week, actually!

December 2024

Mammogram

November 2023

November 2024

Colorectal Cancer Screening

Never

Once I am 45, the recommended age for screening


Full Transparency: After dealing with my gallbladder issue, I have been ignoring reminders from my provider to schedule my annual physical. However, while writing this blog post, I reached out to schedule an appointment this month.


I know it seems like a lot of doctor appointments, and it can be overwhelming when you consider the time needed for scheduling the appointment, being away from work, balancing your other priorities, etc.


If you don’t take care of yourself, who will?


Take the time to visit theSkimm (or do your own research) and see what appointments you may may be missing from your calendar. And when you attend these appointments, be sure to schedule your next visit while you are at the desk-taking the pressure off to remember to schedule it next year! Let me know in the comments if you have scheduled any of the appointments recommended for you.


You may feel nervous to schedule these appointments, based on the fear that they could highlight a serious issue. I sometimes feel that way too. And when I feel scared, I think of my friends that have battled cancer, and those we have lost as a result. I think of my kids, and how I want to be there for every important milestone.


Here are some ways this can be made easier:

  • Bring a friend

  • Talk to your doctor directly about your fears

  • Reach out to me! Email me and let's talk through what you are feeling.


Whatever it takes to encourage you to take that first step of prioritizing your health and doing what you can to stay healthy.





In memory of Mary Lou, Harv and others who are watching from above...



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