Sometimes, self-care looks like doing your research, making the call, and keeping your appointment.
The first time I flew with my kids, I listened as the flight attendant instructed passengers to place oxygen masks on their own faces before helping others. I looked at my kids, shook my head, and thought, “Heck no, I’m slapping that mask on the baby first!”
My reaction was natural, instinctual. But if out plane lost cabin pressure and I ignored those instructions, I would probably lose consciousness before I could do anything to help my children.
My reaction was natural, instinctual. But if out plane lost cabin pressure and I ignored those instructions, I would probably lose consciousness before I could do anything to help my children.
Life is a lot like flying: little control, frequent delays, and if you don’t secure your mask first, you can’t help those around you.
Women in general tend to put their health at the bottom of the “to do” list. Military spouses in particular, regardless of gender, take this trend to the next level. Sometimes our health doesn’t even make it on the to-do list, much less at the bottom.
Could it be because a visit to the doctor requires as much maneuvering and pre-planning as a rapid deployment? Because our PCM switched (again)? Because the packers can only come on one date… and our spouse has already changed locations?
We have to find the perfect appointment time that doesn’t interfere with school drop off and pick up, or squeeze it in during our lunch break—then double check to make sure it doesn’t fall on a school holiday or DONSA.
I’m exhausted just thinking about it, never mind researching a provider, getting a referral, and actually making the appointment.
But here’s the hard truth: skipping or postponing routine doctor visits could cost you more time with your loved ones in the future… and that’s a risk none of us can afford to take.
Whether you’ve just PCSed to a new town, or you’ve made your kids’ appointments without scheduling your own… this checklist is for you.
We have to find the perfect appointment time that doesn’t interfere with school drop off and pick up, or squeeze it in during our lunch break—then double check to make sure it doesn’t fall on a school holiday or DONSA.
I’m exhausted just thinking about it, never mind researching a provider, getting a referral, and actually making the appointment.
But here’s the hard truth: skipping or postponing routine doctor visits could cost you more time with your loved ones in the future… and that’s a risk none of us can afford to take.
Whether you’ve just PCSed to a new town, or you’ve made your kids’ appointments without scheduling your own… this checklist is for you.
Blood Pressure Screening
The stress of military life is enough to raise anyone’s blood pressure, so be sure to have yours checked regularly. A healthy blood pressure reading is between 120/80 – 120/90. High blood pressure increases your risk of a heart attack or stroke… and you don’t have time for that either.
Cholesterol Screening
High cholesterol isn’t just for those over fifty, so don’t think you’re immune if you’re still in your twenties and thirties. Instead, high cholesterol can affect everyone, children and young adults included. Factors such as age, gender, and family history play a role in this condition, as does a poor diet and lack of activity. Even if you think you’re doing everything “right,” your family history and genetics can still increase your risk factors, so get checked to ensure you’re decreasing your risk of heart disease and stroke.
The stress of military life is enough to raise anyone’s blood pressure, so be sure to have yours checked regularly. A healthy blood pressure reading is between 120/80 – 120/90. High blood pressure increases your risk of a heart attack or stroke… and you don’t have time for that either.
Cholesterol Screening
High cholesterol isn’t just for those over fifty, so don’t think you’re immune if you’re still in your twenties and thirties. Instead, high cholesterol can affect everyone, children and young adults included. Factors such as age, gender, and family history play a role in this condition, as does a poor diet and lack of activity. Even if you think you’re doing everything “right,” your family history and genetics can still increase your risk factors, so get checked to ensure you’re decreasing your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Cervical Cancer Check
No one enjoys a visit to the gynecologist—I’m right there with you. I spend the night before prepping and primping like it’s my spouse’s homecoming, then need a hot shower and a glass of wine once it’s over… but I know a cervical cancer screening can literally save your life!
Cervical cancer is one of the most treatable cancers, with a 93% survival rate if detected early. So, do what you have to do to feel good going into the office, and get it done. I’ll be waiting to toast you afterward.
No one enjoys a visit to the gynecologist—I’m right there with you. I spend the night before prepping and primping like it’s my spouse’s homecoming, then need a hot shower and a glass of wine once it’s over… but I know a cervical cancer screening can literally save your life!
Cervical cancer is one of the most treatable cancers, with a 93% survival rate if detected early. So, do what you have to do to feel good going into the office, and get it done. I’ll be waiting to toast you afterward.
Mammograms
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so it’s the perfect time to give your breasts some love (no matter your age or gender).
While most women under the age of 40 don’t need regular mammograms, women of all ages should be performing self-exams every month. Regardless of your gender, if you have a family history of breast cancer, certain genetic markers, and/or prior benign breast conditions, your doctor may suggest this screening at a younger age or more often.
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women and the second leading cause of death among women, however, if caught early, breast cancer is one of the most treatable, with a survival rate of 90%.
While it’s not as common for men to develop breast cancer, it can happen—especially later in life. And for men who are carriers of the BRCA2 mutation, there’s also an increased risk of breast, prostate, and pancreatic cancer, as well as melanoma. If you know your family history puts you at risk, seeking guidance from a genetic counselor may also be of interest.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so it’s the perfect time to give your breasts some love (no matter your age or gender).
While most women under the age of 40 don’t need regular mammograms, women of all ages should be performing self-exams every month. Regardless of your gender, if you have a family history of breast cancer, certain genetic markers, and/or prior benign breast conditions, your doctor may suggest this screening at a younger age or more often.
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women and the second leading cause of death among women, however, if caught early, breast cancer is one of the most treatable, with a survival rate of 90%.
While it’s not as common for men to develop breast cancer, it can happen—especially later in life. And for men who are carriers of the BRCA2 mutation, there’s also an increased risk of breast, prostate, and pancreatic cancer, as well as melanoma. If you know your family history puts you at risk, seeking guidance from a genetic counselor may also be of interest.
Skin Cancer Screening
I’ve done it, you’ve done it… we’ve all been there. Whether you slathered on baby oil or failed to reapply something with a reliable SPF while you put on some tunes and soaked up the sun, all of that time mixing surf, sand, swimming pools, and your skin comes at a price.
Yes, time spent in the sun, whether in the backyard or by the ocean is relaxing… and yes, at some point you may have spent time in a tanning bed, thinking it was the magic for your big event (hint: you were always the magic).
Over 4 million people in the U.S. are diagnosed with skin cancer each year. With those odds, a skin cancer screening is a no-brainer. If you notice skin tags, or moles that have changed (discoloration, uneven borders, an increase in size or thickness), get them checked by a professional now; early detection can lead to a successful treatment and survival.
I’ve done it, you’ve done it… we’ve all been there. Whether you slathered on baby oil or failed to reapply something with a reliable SPF while you put on some tunes and soaked up the sun, all of that time mixing surf, sand, swimming pools, and your skin comes at a price.
Yes, time spent in the sun, whether in the backyard or by the ocean is relaxing… and yes, at some point you may have spent time in a tanning bed, thinking it was the magic for your big event (hint: you were always the magic).
Over 4 million people in the U.S. are diagnosed with skin cancer each year. With those odds, a skin cancer screening is a no-brainer. If you notice skin tags, or moles that have changed (discoloration, uneven borders, an increase in size or thickness), get them checked by a professional now; early detection can lead to a successful treatment and survival.
Some risk factors are out of our control. We can’t do anything about our genetics or our family history. Some risks, however, are disguised in habits and behaviors we can change, like stress, lack of sleep, diet, excessive alcohol, tobacco use, and lack of physical activity.
I’m not here to convince anyone that a stress-free life is obtainable (we’re military spouses, stress comes with the title), or suggesting that you boycott alcohol (I do enjoy a good cocktail) … But it doesn’t make sense not to make a few adjustments if they can greatly reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer.
So, maybe you don’t start overhauling your pantry or sign up for a class at the gym today (I won’t be doing that either). But maybe you take a walk around the block to de-stress, and make one check-up appointment—because you know that the numbers prove early detection can make the difference between life and death.
Make the time, make the appointments, get screened! You can’t take care of your family or your community if you don’t take care of yourself first.
Story by Amanda Marksmeier
I’m not here to convince anyone that a stress-free life is obtainable (we’re military spouses, stress comes with the title), or suggesting that you boycott alcohol (I do enjoy a good cocktail) … But it doesn’t make sense not to make a few adjustments if they can greatly reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer.
So, maybe you don’t start overhauling your pantry or sign up for a class at the gym today (I won’t be doing that either). But maybe you take a walk around the block to de-stress, and make one check-up appointment—because you know that the numbers prove early detection can make the difference between life and death.
Make the time, make the appointments, get screened! You can’t take care of your family or your community if you don’t take care of yourself first.
Story by Amanda Marksmeier
RSS Feed