Prevention and Early Detection: Recognizing National Self-Check Month

As we wrap up the month of February (time has been flying, no?), we thought we share an important yet overlooked prevention period that is very relevant to our industry and clients. February is National Self-Check Month, which promotes the importance of maintaining our own health by being self-aware and flagging our progress in maintaining a healthy lifestyle asking ourselves important health-related questions, and in turn, preventing dangerous diseases from progressing and taking away our freedom.

This is especially important for our growing senior population, given the many chronic illnesses and risks to our health that pop up as we get older. Some of these illnesses and diseases include heart disease, the #1 killer of men and women in the United States, diabetes, cancer, kidney disease, stroke, and of course, Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Although no one likes to talk about their risk of developing one or more of these diseases, the sooner you become more proactive and take steps to addressing your loved one’s health on a regular basis, the less likely the disease will strike without warning.

Here are a few steps to take:

1. 1. Visit Shelf Chec.org to learn about how you can conduct self-checks on yourself or your loved one
   2. Make sure you are up to date on your doctor’s visits and are in communication with your physician or client’s family and ask their advice on symptoms or concerns you can’t explain.
   3. While you’re at it, visit Healthline.com to learn about the various medical check-ups your senior loved one or client may need to get this year.
   4. Take advantage of the wealth of information we have at our fingertips online, but don’t take every website’s word for it and always consult with your doctor if you’re concerned about your health before taking vitamins or supplements popping up online.

Make prevention and early detection your priority this year – it could save your life!