I’ve been meaning to write about this topic for a while now. I feel it is important and necessary certainly because it hits close to home. Our personal health and well-being is not something to take lightly. What we put into our body and what we put our body through is of utmost importance. Now that I have reached the tender age of 30 I find myself more concerned with my health. I have come to the realization that the days of gorging on fast food (survived on McDonald’s during college) and playing very physical sports are over.
This is a new me.
I’ve always been active but my body responds differently. I don’t heal as quickly and I don’t wake up feeling nearly as energized as when I was 21. Small things are beginning to show up as well. I used to have eagle vision. But my eye sight is not nearly as sharp although I don’t need glasses, yet. I had a round baby face for years. However my face has slimmed and my bone structure is more defined now. I’m becoming lactose in-tolerate. I get shin splints when I run and my Achilles flared up so bad after hooping I couldn’t walk for two days. This is a new me.
I don’t like taking medicine. I would never go to the doctor. I had to be sick with a sinus infection or flu to go see the doctor. Otherwise I would just get over it. Really I believe that is how most men are towards their health. We feel as if we’ll be just fine. Indigestion after dinner? It will pass. Excruciating pain my head? It will pass. Numbness in my extremities? It will pass. Pain in my chest? It will pass. All those at once? You’re dead.
Heart disease, prostate cancer, and colon cancer are the killers of many men. But simple preventative maintenance could save many lives. If you have a job with health insurance and you have not been going to the doctor at least once a year for a check-up, physical, and blood work, go to the bank pull out $200-$500 and burn it. It doesn’t make sense. If you do nothing else at least do those steps. G.I. Joe taught us that “knowing is half the battle” so every year you should at least know this information.
My last doctor visit he checked everything. I got blood work done. Everything was in the normal range for the most part. I have a Vitamin D deficiency like a lot of people. Also my cholesterol seems to be ticking up. “Maybe you should cut back on the amount of meat you eat”. I’m still in the age range where I’m susceptible to testicular cancer. “If you drop your drawers I can check you quickly.” “OK great no lumps or bumps there you are in good shape.” “Well…one last thing I can check your prostate very quickly as well”.
Pause.
Before I pick back up let me give you a little back story. My mother had been pressuring my father for a while to get his prostate checked. But he had been adamantly opposed. He’s 49 years old (yes I have very young parents). He has always tried to take good care of himself. Now he could stand to eat a little better, he runs 2-3 miles a few times a week, he has high blood pressure (more hereditary than anything), and he stays pretty active. My father in my opinion is the toughest and strongest man alive. “My daddy will beat your daddy up”. But his defiance in this matter caught me off-guard. As ridiculous as it sounds, his response was “I’m not letting anybody stick a finger in my butt”. Go ahead and laugh. But that is what he told me. My mother just shook her head (she’s a nurse). Also take note fellas, if you have a woman who is concerned about your health and well-being you have a good woman. I want my father to be around as long as possible. So I tried to reason with him. “Pop, it will only take seconds”. “Come on man you’re more secure than that”. But he was adamant; he was not going to do it.
Resume.
This was in my mind when the doctor asked to check me out. So I agreed to allow him to check. He puts on a glove and grabs the lubricant. Me: I can’t believe I’m letting him do this. “OK. There is certainly no disease in there.” I’m thinking good because when I think about it that is the last place I want disease. “You know a lot men decline a DRE. But it only takes a few seconds. Well you’re in good health; I will see you in a year unless you are not feeling well.” That was all it took. I’ll admit it was uncomfortable and unpleasant. But I was happy to know that I was in good shape. I shared the experience with my wife. She was happy I did it. But she said if you want to talk about invasive experience a gynecologist visit. I’d rather not.
Fellas your health is in your hands. Don’t be foolish about it. I’m proud to say my father got over whatever was holding him back and he’s doing well. Get your check-ups and get them regularly. Stay fresh inside and out.
@SireSpeaks
Recent Comments