We go to the doctor as soon as something starts causing us discomfort or pain, right? That’s easy. We can’t ignore pain. Pain is our body signalling to us that SOMETHING IS WRONG.
A lot of times we don’t go to the doctor until something becomes a bother or becomes embarrassing. I’m here to tell you to pay a visit to your practitioner once something is off. Once there you notice a change from the norm.
The insidious things are often the most silent. It is important to know our bodies inside out so we can pick up at the first sign of change.
Look at the ’embarrassing’ parts of yourself, look at your private parts, look in your mouth, examine your breasts, look under your arms. No one should know your body better than you.
Pain is just one indicator of being unwell.
Considering going to the doctor if:
- You notice your hair changing (it’s getting thinner, falling out etc)
- You have a lot of scabs around your hair line, on your scalp, your eyebrows etc
- You have acne but you’re not a teenager
- You notice changes in your vision, which may come and go
- You have a rash on your face, especially on the cheeks or nose and cheeks
- You see spots in your mouth
- You notice you have a lump in the neck
- You notice your neck is getting dark at the back
- Your nipples are leaking any form of fluid, blood, clear fluid, milk (and you’re not or recently pregnant)
- You have a lump or lumps in the breast (for men and women)
- You have rashes, lumps or bumps all over your skin.
- You have a lump in the belly.
- Your period changes or you stop having it.
- You’re having discharge from your penis
- Your discharge from the vagina has changed and smells bad or itches
- You see blood when you poop or pee
- You see swelling of your finger tips
- You have swelling of the legs
- You lose a lot of weight without trying
- You have massive weight gain in a short period of time
- You’re tired all the time
- You have shortness of breath more easily than before
- You have a ‘bad feeling’
This list is in no way exhaustive, we know we seek medical attention when something becomes painful, worrisome or affects our daily life. If we are more proactive we will catch disease processes earlier and when they’re easier to fix or manage.
You know my favourite advice is to seek medical attention! The relationship with your General Practitioner (and Gynaecologist for us women) is very important, we should see them at least once a year for a full check up of our health.
Your health is your responsibility, pay attention to it!
Samantha C. Johnson
