When was your last check up?

Steve bringing his skin cancer post back to the top as a reminder made me think of this. I don’t really need to know when your last check up was but, how many of you guys get a physical done on a regular basis? Obviously us girls see a doctor more often to make sure our mommy parts are healthy but, you guys are a little different in that regard and aren’t quite as high maintenance.

Things are obviously different in our household as Frank’s second home is the Mayo Clinic. However, I think back to my Dad and even my brothers and don’t think that they have seen a doctor every other year because they felt fine and didn’t think they need to. My Dad died at the age of 62 (way too young) and the most I had ever seen him go the doctor was in his last couple of years.

My point is, as long as we are remembering to take care of our skin, we should remember to take care of the rest of our bodies too and have them checked out even if we feel fine. I know it’s no joy to “turn your head and cough” or “bend over” but I’d trade the stirrups and a cold speculum for a cough and being bent over any day. Wait a minute, that didn’t come out right….

You know what I mean. Wouldn’t you rather be safe than sorry? I’d rather go to the doctor every other year and find out that I’m still healthy rather than go every 10 years and find out something is too far along to treat.

This post really got me thinkimg. I will be turning 40 in a few weeks and they say on the big 4 0 you should get a special physical were they check you inside and out. I haven’t been to the doctor since I was 18 and had knee surgey for a torn ACL and MCL, so I am probably due. Plus my wife and mother have both been on me. My sister was diagnosed with skin cancer at age 33 and she was one of those people that never tanned or sunbathed so I have been told I need to be looked at as well. Guess I have my birthday present for myself and my family set. Thanks.

Great point. A few years ago my regular physician sent me to a specialist to examine a small mole on my arm. The doctor discovered I had melanoma (spelling). Thankfully, it was caught early on and had not spread. This type of cancer is very dangerous and if I hadn’t gotten that physical I doubt I would be writing this.

As an aside I am 59 years old and also requested a stress test because friends have died from heart attacks and strokes.

I’m 59 for only a little more than 2 more weeks. and had in 2006 skin cancer minor surgery and treatment, stress test, and follow up dermatologist appt (this week)(all is looking good)..
The easiest thing you can do (guys) in regard to a regular physical, is making sure you do a PSA (blood test). Esp after 40 yrs old, or any time you have ANY family history.

I say again PSA.. Just DO IT..
Jack..