I turned 40 back in April. I did a big bike tour in celebration of turning 40 (posts start with this one). I finally got caught up with a more mundane celebration of my 40th birthday.
I haven’t had a primary care physician for awhile. While in school I used the campus medical facilities. After I graduated, I just never took the time to do it. Soon after moving to St. Pete I looked around but had a hard time finding someone who would take my insurance.
Once I turned 40, I knew it was standard to get your first mammogram. I got busy around my birthday and after because of my trip. But I finally have a doctor. She prescribed my mammogram, and I went and got it today. It was much easier than I had heard through the grapevine, and absolutely painless. I’m sure some women do experience pain with the compression of the Xray, so I’m not discounting those experiences. But for my size C cups, it didn’t hurt. And it was over in a few minutes. Easy peasy.
I also had blood drawn today for a smattering of tests, since I haven’t done that in quite a long time. I got a tetanus shot on Monday, because I’m pretty sure it has been over 10 years since my last.
Obviously I don’t know the results of these tests. But I’m glad I took care of myself and got them done. I’m not expecting any surprises. I’m in overall good health. I exercise regularly. My diet isn’t the best, but it’s also not the worst. I manage stress Ok.
Overall, I want to continue getting my preventative screenings so I can catch any potential problems before they become problems. My dad ignored a lot of symptoms that warned of cancer for a long time. I don’t want to be like that. I’d like to live and live well for as long as I can. Part of that is making sure I take care of my health.
I long for the day when the US has healthcare for all. It shouldn’t be a privilege to go to the doctor, but for today I am grateful I have health insurance.
My wish is for anyone reading this to stay up-to-date on your preventative screenings. If not for your sake, then for the sake of your loved ones. There are people who care for you, and they’d like you to be around for a normal lifespan.