Let’s Get (a) Physical
“Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.” Jim Rohn, author and motivational speaker
In the midst of spending so much time caring for others, how well are you doing with attending to your own health? Physicians and other healthcare professionals are notoriously “bad patients,” and though there is a paucity of data, that which is published indicates we’ve earned that reputation as too many of us do not have a personal physician or other primary healthcare provider, and if we do, we’re often more likely to “curbside” them about a health concern than make an appointment to see them.
Indeed, the dominant idea in the medical profession seems to be that physicians are somehow perpetually well, and if they do become ill, they should be able to function better than others and well enough to put patient care above all else. In that line of thinking, taking time off for illness is a sign of weakness and lack of commitment. And doing preventive screenings, of course, is more of a “suggestion.” That was certainly the “hidden curriculum” that was instilled into me. If this reputation doesn’t pertain to you, that’s fantastic! But please read on anyhow – you could be just the encouragement a colleague needs.
For the past few years, I’ve had the privilege of giving a talk at the American Academy of Family Physicians annual conference that focuses on our personal well-being. As part of the talk, I lead the attendees through an “Annual Wellness Exam” with the disclaimer, of course, that in that setting I am not engaged in the practice of medicine :>) . Four of the questions I ask pertaining to our physical health are listed below.
I regularly get at least 7-8 hours of sleep and/or wake up feeling refreshed without an alarm.
I maintain a healthy body weight based on accepted guidelines.
I exercise regularly following the physical activity guidelines, including both cardiovascular and strength training.
I have a personal physician/healthcare provider whom I have seen within the past 18 months and have had appropriate screenings for my age/health status.
Well, how did you do? For me, “3.5” out of 4 is not bad, but since I spend my professional days encouraging patients that the target is all 4, settling for less than all 4 is not okay. In other words, it’s time for me to set up an appointment with my physician in order to check off that 4th “screening is more than a suggestion” box. This is even more important as this year I celebrated one of those “milestone” birthdays.
If you haven’t seen your personal physician or other primary healthcare professional for a “check-up” since the pandemic started, you are officially overdue. As we begin to slowly climb our way out of the present COVID surge, now is a good to time to make that appointment. And be sure to check in on your colleagues and encourage them to do the same. Let’s make caring about ourselves and each other one of our Superpowers … and not be afraid to use it.