Check Yourself Out

When it's time for your annual check-ups, who do you see...the family doc, dentist, optometrist, gynecologist...Well, you might want to add 2 more docs to your list...

Maybe you were sunburned as a kid or ware tanning oil instead of sunscreen, and these days you expect your doctor to catch any "unusual" skin marks...not the case. According to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, more then 90% of dermatologist have seen at least 5 patients in the last year with skin cancer who were overlooked or mis-diagnosed by their non-dermatologist doctor.

 (getting my yearly skin check)

Growing up a sun-kissed kid, I've had yearly skin checks since I was 10...and thank goodness. If you're not going to see a dermatologist, you should regularly check your body for moles, new freckles or unusual lumps. FEEL YOURSELF, CHECK YOURSELF OUT. Especially since melanoma is the most common cancer among women 25-29, and skin cancer is the cancer most frequently diagnosed in women.

Today I added a new doc to my list...chiropractor Dr. Bates. I've had chiropractic work done in the past, but nothing consistent. If I had a bad fall in soccer or sever back pain, I'd go in for a crack. Yesterday I had my back x-rayed and today the photos screamed the truth...

The spine on the right is a "normal" spine, and the spine on the left is mine- phase 1 degeneration: a loss or change in the normal curve of the spine. This could have been caused by numerous things: soccer, heading the ball, pour posture, leaning over a desk, typing for long hours, texting...The important part is, I'm taking care of it now, so my back can feel as young as I am.

Take it for what it is, but at least take these docs into consideration.