Go to the doctor

Why don't people go to the doctor? Afraid. Money. Time. Inconvience. Embarrassing. Awkward. Uninformed. Confused. Weakness. Have I listed any that apply to you, me, anyone? Dealing with the surgical aspect of patient care I am forever shocked at the people who wait until a symptom is a real problem or a simple problem is a real disease process. My mother had a breast lump for 3 years before doing anything about it. TOO LATE. When she finally did go the the doctor it had spread to her lymph nodes and the disease process was long out of hand. She was afraid. She kept pretending the lump really wasn't there, it really wasn't growing. She had bumped her breast on a post, it was a bruise, etc. You get the picture. How can I use this to make a difference? I will educate my friends, family. I will explain the pain of losing my mother too early because she chose poor health practices. I will tell grandmothers the importance of breast care for the benefit of their grandchildren. My children only remember a few things about my mother and she was someone to remember. I will teach people it is not a sign of weakness to go for an annual check-up, it is a sign of strength. It is a sign of purpose because you realize your life is valuable and important. It is a sign of love to care enough about yourself and your health so you can be in the best condition to take care of your family and others. It is about sacrifice. Knowing that the money spent on your well-being is far more lasting than a pair of shoes. Listen to your body. Look at your body. Know your body. Protect your body. Participate in healthy habits, foods, and life-living choices that will benefit you and everyone you matter to. I know that there are cases where people have done all the above and still become sick; however, I am speaking from experience. If my mother had simply done the basic things to take care of herself I would feel better about her death. I cannot justify ignorant choices made by such a smart woman. A simple breast exam done each month, a simple mammmogram preformed annually, check-ups, and going for help. GO TO THE DOCTOR.