#27: Pay it forward.

Date Completed:  2/24/2010

As mentioned in the blog intro, some list items are lighthearted - others have more depth. This post falls into the latter category, and I’ll insert the following disclaimer:  I’m not a doctor – I just play one at work.  The statements in this post are personal thoughts only, but my hope is that they might help you facilitate conversations with your family members and medical practitioners at your personal discretion.  Many of you know that I’ve been on an adult wellness kick for years - I believe in a healthy balance of fitness, fun, food, family, faith and friendship.  I’m going to use this list item to “pay forward” some information I’ve learned:

Women’s Health

Ladies, it’s really important to stay current on your annual exams and screenings whether for cervical or breast cancer.  Neither exam takes more than 10 minutes and the benefits of early detection well outweigh the exam inconvenience.  Did you know that despite what you may hear in the media, most insurance plans still cover an annual mammogram for women who meet the age or family risk criteria?  Call your insurance provider to check.  Did you know that it doesn’t actually hurt to get squished?  Seriously, I stubbed my toe once and it hurt worse.  Did you know that according to the CDC, 20 million Americans are currently infected with HPV with another six million new diagnoses each year?  Did you know that HPV is so common that at least 50% of sexually active men and women get it at some point in their lives?  There are only a couple of strains that are life-threatening to women, but guess what – they can be found through a routine PAP exam with HPV test.  So please don’t put off getting your annual exam.  And if you, or someone you know, is age 9-26 (or even outside that range), talk to your doctor about the Gardasil vaccination to get the facts.  Insurance often covers the cost of this vaccination for that age range.  While insurance will not cover the price of Gardasil if you’re over age 26, you can pay out of pocket for this series of shots with your medical practitioner or local clinic.

Adult Wellness

Some of you may know that my father was diagnosed with colorectal cancer at age 33.  He was given six months to live at that time and miraculously survived another 36 years.  Did you know that CDC facts state that of cancers affecting both men and women, colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the U.S.?  You’re in luck – a colonoscopy can help with early detection!  If you are age 50 or older, or at increased risk due to family history, please talk to your doctor about this simple procedure.  Is it an annoying day before the procedure?  Yes.  Will you survive the procedure?  Yes – trust me on this.

Are you (or your parents or grandparents) age 60 yet?  If so, and you have had chicken pox at some point in your life (regardless of whether or not it was mild or severe), you may develop shingles due to the virus still present in your body.  In 2006, a shingles vaccine called Zostavax was approved for use in adults age 60 or more.  Shingles is a terribly painful (and I mean TERRIBLY painful) condition that most commonly affects adults in this age range.  Please talk to your doctor to determine if the vaccine is right for you.

Have you had your tetanus shot in the past 10 years?  If not, call your doctor!  If you live in a region that is higher risk for pertussis (e.g., Minnesota), be sure to check to see if your vaccine also covers that.  Adacel is a common brand name vaccine that combines all of your protection in one shot.  Will your arm be a little sore the day after?  Sure.  Will you survive?  Yes.  I can give you a 20 minute arm routine at the gym that will hurt worse.

World Travelers

Do you travel internationally?  Did you know that the CDC website is always up to date with immunizations suggested for your travel based on your destination and timeline?  Travel immunizations are not required for some destinations, but others are, so it’s important to check well in advance of your next international trip.  Some immunization sequences need to be started as much as six months before your trip, so plan ahead.  Is it fun to get “stuck”?  No.  Will you survive?  Yes – I’m still alive and well, last I checked.  Talk to your doctor or reputable travel clinic such as Passport Health.

General Health – Top 10 Tips

1. Drink water.  If you exercise, live in a warm climate or travel often by plane, drink LOTS of water.  Kidney stones suck.

2. Speaking of exercise, do it.  Do what you can.  If you have a bad knee, consider lifting arm weights.  If you have tennis elbow, consider the treadmill.  Just move.  Better yet, bring a friend with you – whether it’s to the gym, or on a walk.  Just have fun.

3. Watch your posture, especially if you sit all day at a desk.  Consider a headset if you’re on the phone all day.  Consider a wrist rest while you’re at it.

4. Be aware of your state laws regarding talking on cell phones and/or texting while driving.  I saw recently that Oprah even has some sort of pledge campaign going to avoid texting while driving.

5. Wear sunscreen whenever and wherever possible and talk to your doctor about any unusual dermatological concerns or changes.  Don’t wait.

6. If you’re on a high protein diet, drink lots of water and eat fiber, even if it means using a supplement such as Benefiber - it has no taste and dissolves in water.  Berries are super low-carb.  Fresh spinach is great for a salad.  Egg whites have no fat, cholesterol or carbs.  And if you’re looking for a no-sugar carb for energy, try instant unflavored oatmeal – after microwaving, swirl in a small amount of your favorite extract (Target sells almond, vanilla, maple, coconut, orange, etc. in the baking aisle and it lasts forever) and top with fresh berries or sliced almonds.  You’ll be amazed.  Lastly, consider a multi-vitamin that your physician approves to be sure you’re getting all of your nutrition.

7. Consider using one pharmacy for all of your prescriptions.  This can help identify potential drug interactions especially if you take any ongoing maintenance medications.

8. Remember to take care of your eyes, especially if you spend a lot of time at your computer, in low lighting, in the sun, etc.  If you can’t remember your last eye exam, maybe now is a good time to make that appointment.

9. Find a dentist that you like, even if you have dental anxiety like me. If you live in Minnesota, I’m a HUGE fan of Boger Dental.

10. Consider an advanced directive, regardless of your age.  The link below has branches to every state's free form for your review if you're interested - your local health provider or faith center may also have forms.

http://caringinfo.org/PlanningAhead/AdvanceDirectives/Stateaddownload.htm