As June comes to an end, I want to express the significance of celebrating this month. Honoring Father's Day and highlighting Men's Health month resonated deeply with me. As the son of a primary care physician, maintaining a healthy lifestyle was instilled in me from a young age. Reminders such as: Get a physical annually, eat a balanced diet, take vitamins, and exercise daily - Sounds familiar, right?
Life happens, I get it. Between balancing family life, career, and personal schedules, our own health needs tend to take a back seat. Men, I challenge you to pause for a moment and ask yourself "When was the last time you had an annual wellness medical exam?" If the answer is..."I don't know" (or you cannot remember) You're overdue.
A few years ago, during my annual physical at Premier, my provider compassionately informed me I was pre-diabetic". Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. My first thought was not me and something must be wrong with the test. Thankfully, our providers are caring and skilled and I was provided with a personalized plan to guide my nutrition and physical activity.
Since that appointment, I have made a better effort with the encouragement of my wonderful wife Erika to eat a balanced diet and monitor my health closely. The good news is I am out of the range for pre-diabetes. Premier is my choice medical home because I am more than just a patient here, I am a person that our medical team truly cares about.
I want to continue enjoying life and watching our children grow up with Erika. Despite the demands of everyday life, it is always the right time to focus on your health. Schedule your annual physical today - your loved ones will thank you.
