Taking Back Control of Your Wellness
It’s officially the dog days of summer, Covid-19 style. I’ve spent the past five months prioritizing keeping myself and immediate circle of family and loved ones safe during Covid-19 in the house. Here, in New York City we definitely aren’t back to “pre-Covid normal”, but we can breathe a little easier right now, due to very low infection rates. It’s a little easier to venture out now after being “on pause” since March. I feel now is the time to take inventory of the some of the routine preventative health practices that’s been put on the back burner. Covid has instilled so much fear that have prevented many of us from going to the ER or doctor’s office. When you take into account that Black people are predisposed to many illnesses such as hypertension, stroke, diabetes and cancer, we can’t afford to let our health slip through the cracks. The following is my health check up list:
Mammograms and Other Cancer Screenings
This one is so important to me. I’m tired of cancer taking loved ones away from me. I have a friend that faithfully got her annual mammograms. Everything was just fine, until last year a lump was found. Having those on time regular screenings not only provided a baseline, but allowed treatment to start quickly and greatly improved her prognosis. Get your screenings guys. This goes for pap smears, skin cancer, and colon cancer screenings as well.Annual Physicals and Vaccines
Seeing your primary care doctor not only lets me keep on top of maintenance medication, and required shots. A primary care physician is also useful for picking up on depression, skin issues, etc. and can recommend any specialists that you may need like a dermatologist, allergist. For example, my primary care doctor is a cardiologist that makes screening my heart and organs with a sonogram part of my annual. A few years ago, it came up in the test that I had gallstones. Even though I had mild symptoms, I had no idea. We started monitoring them, so that when I did have an attack a couple of years later, it was easier to pinpoint the problem.
Psycho Therapy
There have been so many different facets of dealing with this pandemic, grief and loss, anxiety and depression are just a few. Adding on the ongoing racial tensions and downright burdens of being a Black person right now can drain you. Therapy may be super beneficial to help work through some of these issues. This is actually an area where you can still effectively navigate virtually. There has been an abundance of virtual therapy options. Therapy for Black Girls, and Talkspace are good sources for a therapist. The Office of Mental Health has some free options. Your mental health is equally as important as your physical health.Eye Exams
Staring at a computer screen while working at home, during endless zoom meetings and classes has taken taken a toll on my eyes and my children. Getting exams and recommended special lenses if necessary can help a lot. Also, special screenings for glaucoma or other eye ailments are crucial.Dental Exams
I personally have two teenagers that have drained my pockets with dental procedures over the last two years. Keeping up with cleanings and fillings, so that we don’t have yet another root canal or some other issue is the the smartest course of action for us.Bonus: Exercise
I will not be dusting off my gym membership any time soon. It’s simply not allowed right now. However, the warm weather is definitely conducive to picking up some outdoor exercise. Extra long walks, bike riding and outdoor yoga are excellent options. I’m also eyeing an online Zumba class to work on those extra pounds and lost muscle mass from being more sedentary
I still have some anxiety about going to different public spaces. There is no such thing a zero risk of becoming infected. I can take control of my anxiety by talking to my health care practitioners about how they’re following Covid-19 guidelines and making choices about which doctor offices I choose to patronize. Having the dialogue is the first step. The reality is that we may experience restrictions again if cases start to increase. Take the time now to care for your health.