By Dale Avery
Annual Physical Time…
I don’t know many people that get overly excited about the annual physical appointment on their calendar. The thought of being poked, prodded, tested, and checked all while possibly wearing a backless hospital gown makes some shudder. Not to mention the wait time worrying about test results and of course, the joyful recommendations for diet and exercise changes.
Earlier this week the day came around for my colonoscopy. I checked in at the Digestive Disease Endoscopy Center hungry, tired, and apprehensive. From the reception check-in to the discharge nurse I was treated with the utmost respect and care. This group of professionals do a job each and every day, which seems unimaginable to me, with commitment and concern. It reminded me that my own hang ups should not get in the way of making these type of appointments because the employees at not only this center but most all I have experienced are blessed with the gift of professional medical care. They want to do all they can to make your experience comfortable, quick, and painless.
Which brings me to another point about annual physicals and tests. The very best part of my week was coming home to tell my wife and daughters that my test results were clear and no follow-up was necessary. Check-ups with your doctor and testing becomes more and more frequent as you get older. But there is no better gift you can give your family and friends than the knowledge of a clean bill of health. Testing and reviews with your doctor can give you the opportunity to catch issues early and make changes or start treatments with enough time to correct a situation or change the course of what could be a deadly diagnosis. Why wouldn’t you want to spend an uncomfortable hour or two to gain the knowledge to prolong your life and time with loved ones? Too often we make excuses or become too busy to make time for our own health. That is not a path you want to follow. Unfortunately, we as men are even worse about doctor’s appointments than our female counterparts. We fall into caveman attitudes and don’t want to admit we are having telltale symptoms or reduce ourselves to being told what to do while we sit on an exam table. But isn’t it really being more of a man to face our fears and man up for a simple doctor’s appointment?
Take care of yourself, and go to your annual check-ups!
Dale Avery, CPCU, is the assistant vice president – Enterprise Services at State Farm® Corporate Headquarters in Bloomington, Ill.
Avery began his career with State Farm in 1982 as a personal lines underwriter in Lincoln, Nebraska and assumed his current position in 2006. Avery, a native of Missouri, received his bachelor’s degree from Central Missouri State University. He earned his CPCU in 1991.
Dale resides in Bloomington with his wife, Laura and their two daughters; Megan and Jenna.
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