Being Proactive About Your Health

Sickness happens.

Sometimes it's a germ

We come in contact with another sick person and catch whatever they have. We usually know kind of quickly that we are coming down with something because of the symptoms. For example, there’s lethargy, malaise, and loss of energy. As the disease progresses, we may lose our appetite, become feverish with chills and body aches, and there may even be stomach upset. We all know this because most of us have been sick.

Feeling something, but not like a cold

What about those vague things that occur? Those times when we just don’t feel right but ignore it because we are not sick enough for it to stop us. Many of us have brushed off feeling tired, not having energy, losing a little weight, headaches, and the list goes on. Here’s the thing. If you are feeling these things for two weeks or more it’s probably time to get it looked at. We all have bad days, but bad weeks are not normal.

Finally seeing a doctor

My daughter, Crystal, had Hodgkin’s lymphoma. She was not feeling well for awhile before she decided it was time to go to the doctor. She was tired and didn’t have the energy she usually had. Like many people, she shook it off and blamed it on a move to a new home and a new job. Wouldn’t that make someone tired?

Although it took some time, but she finally went to a physician and was diagnosed. Luckily she was stage 2 and was able to be cured. That’s not how it is for everyone.

Taking care of our bodies should be our number one priority. The problem is, life with all of its responsibilities gets in the way. The key is to listen to your body and if there’s a problem that is going on too long, go to the doctor. Many times it’s nothing or something treatable.

Look out for these symptoms

But occasionally, the symptoms need more intense attention. According to the Mayo Clinic, a few things you should pay attention to include the following:¹

• Unintentional weight loss/Rapid weight gain
• Persistent headaches
• Fever
• Stomach pains or changes in bathroom habits
• Lump in your throat or persistent cough
• Depression
• Becoming out of breath easily
• Confusion
• Sudden weakness
• Back pain and bone aches
• Snoring
• Feeling of fullness
• Slow healing
• Swollen hands or feet

This list is not exhaustive. Added to it could be anything that is not normal for you. The point is, if you are not feeling right, your body may be trying to tell you something. Listen and speak with your doctor. Make the time because it just may save your life.

Get a second opinion, if necessary

If the doctor tells you it’s nothing, get a second opinion. My daughter was told it was nothing and she had the classic symptoms of night sweats and swollen glands. She went for a second opinion, but not right away. Doctors have power in their words - but they are not always right. Follow your gut. If I think something is wrong, it just may be.

Nobody wants to take time out of their busy day to go to the doctor, especially when they might hear bad news, but find the time and strength. It will be worth it. Hopefully it’s nothing important, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Wishing you health and happiness.