As women, we tend to make sure others’ needs are looked after first and then generally think of ourselves and our needs. That might be fine in some instances but when it comes to our HEALTH we need to put ourselves first and make our health and well-being a priority.
We only have one body so we need to ensure we look after it and be aware of conditions that can occur as we age.
What is B.E.S.T. care?
Breasts, Eyes, Skin and Teeth! That’s the theme of self-care for this month’s Wellness Wednesdays link up with Natalie & Leslie.
Health Care for Women Over 50
Breasts, Boobs, ‘The Girls’
Whatever you like to call them, they need our attention. We all know about breast cancer but do we become complacent?
According to Breast Cancer Care W.A.,
one in eight Australian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 85.
I am very mindful of this because my Mum was diagnosed with breast cancer at 53 years of age and died 10 years later after many rounds of chemotherapy and radiation. Back then in the late 70s there wasn’t much information compared to today when the chances of survival are so much better. I have an annual Mammogram each year.
Each year, my daughter and I run in the Mother’s Day Classic which is an annual run or walk held in various cities and towns in Australia to raise funds for breast cancer awareness and research. We run in memory of my beautiful Mum and we will be running this coming Sunday.
Here are 3 useful and informative links which I recommend:
Symptoms of breast cancer other than lumps and what changes in our nipples mean
The links between Breast Cancer and Alcohol
Do you self-check for any changes to your breasts?
Time to book a mammogram? If you have a family history of breast cancer you should be having an annual mammogram. Genetic testing is also available through the BRCA test. A blood test that uses DNA analysis to detect gene mutations.
Eyes
The National Eye Institute suggests that:
Everyone age 50 or older should visit an eye care professional for a comprehensive dilated eye exam. Many eye diseases have no early warning signs or symptoms, but a dilated exam can detect eye diseases in their early stages before vision loss occurs. Early detection and treatment can help you save your sight. Even if you aren’t experiencing any vision problems, visit your eye care professional for a dilated eye exam. He or she will tell you how often you need to have one depending on your specific risk factors.
Age-related Eye Diseases include:
Our eyesight is one of our most important senses and it isn’t just a matter of having our vision checked at the Optometrist. Over 50 we should also be asking our doctor for a referral to an Opthamologist.
Take time away from electronic screens regularly. Set an alarm hourly to remind you to get up and walk away from the computer and rest your eyes.
Skin
Australia has one of the highest rates of melanoma and skin cancer in the world. Being Sun safe by using protective sunscreens, wearing a hat and avoiding the sun between 10 am and 3pm are ways we can protect our skin from the sun. The Cancer Council of Australia shows us how to Check for Signs and Symptoms of Skin Cancer. Check with you doctor if you are concerned or make an appointment for a Skin Check if you see any changes in moles or spots.
When did you last have a Skin Check?
Part of aging is the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and whilst many of us view these as natural a regular skincare routine can help to slow the aging process.
Hands up if you wear sunscreen every day
Teeth
Keeping our pearly whites in good condition should include a visit to the dentist at least once or twice a year. Regular brushing is a must but did you know that if you don’t have a tooth brush handy, high-fibre fruits and vegetables can be the next best thing? Apparently, their high fibre content actually ‘scrubs’ the teeth similar to the way your toothbrush might and stimulates saliva production because of the extra chewing they require.
Best practices for healthy teeth.
When was the last time you visited the dentist? Time to book an appointment?
We can also keep our bodies in top condition by eating a healthy diet with all the recommended daily intakes, drinking water and keeping hydrated plus exercising daily will all help to keep us in the B.E.S.T. care.
What is your B.E.S.T. tip?
14 Comments
Have been saying for a year that I am going to get a skin check. Need to make that happen. Years of innocent sun-worshipping (we didn’t know better back then), have given me sunspots everywhere.
Guilty of not doing breast checks very often, too. Need to do better about that. Thank goodness for these wellness posts to prod us to become more healthy.
Hi Leslie, I have a mammogram each year as Mum died from breast cancer nearly 35 years ago. I’m guilty of not having skin checks though and like you when we were younger we didn’t know any better than laying for hours covered in oil and ending the day looking like a lobster! I need to take my own advice and make an appointment. x
This is such a good reminder to us all Sue. I’m glad I can tick all of these. I also think regular blood tests can help keep us on track.
Hi Deb, yes blood tests are a great way to keep our eye on cholesterol levels and diabetes etc. I’m usually pretty good except for the Skin Checks. I don’t know why I always forget about that one. I need to take my own advice! xx
Reading this post reminded me that I need to schedule my annual physical including the mammogram. I have been faithful to this yearly exam but moved recently so have chosen a new family doctor. Time to pick up the phone and schedule!
Yes do that, Candi! We have recently moved but as our doctor is only an hour’s drive away we won’t change at this point. I have an annual mammogram each year but I do need to schedule the skin check. x
Thank you, Sue, for another great post and for your support of the Wellness Wednesday link-up. We’re on the same page when it comes to the BEST care. I had a round up of posts, some from your , I thought they were good advice.
Hi Natalie, we are on the same page but it never hurts to repeat important messages. I always look forward to Wellness Wednesday and wouldn’t mind if it was weekly! x
Hi Sue – I look forward to our upcoming Wellness Wednesday link up on June 12. Optional prompt Mid-year review. Hard to believe that it’ll be almost half of 2019 by then. #lifethisweek
All so important aren’t they Sue? I was relieved to be able to tick all four checks because they’re all important to me too. It’s not particularly fun to have a mammogram or a dental check up (or to strip down to my undies for a skin check) but I do it because prevention is so much better than the alternative!
The one thing I’ve failed is the skin check. I just don’t seem to remember to schedule them. I’m vigilant with all of my other tests so I need to take my own advice I think and book an appointment. x
I love it! B.E.S.T. – I won’t forget what needs to get checked up on now!
SSG xxx
Such a good reminder Sue! I’m pretty much on top of all of these apart from the skin check. I also get my bloods checked every year and my BP checked every 6 months at the GPs – I like to dot all the is and cross all the ts!
Timely post Sue. This Saturday is my annual skin check. Our local GP runs specialist clinics and we get an annual reminder. Last year my husband had skin cancers cut out from his leg (SCC) and a graft applied. All good now. Breasts: yep I have my 2 year mammogram. Eyes. I got a scare two days after Christmas 2018 with growing blurriness. My GP sent me to an optician and I was blown away that I could get the specialist check and test of reassurance then. It was a great relief to know I did not have a detached retina and the thorough check was confirmed when I has my annual eye specialist appointment. As for teeth, well you know my story there. I have 8 left and tomorrow they are getting a clean at the dentist. A novelty for me now.
Thank you for linking up for #lifethisweek and next week’s optional prompt is 22/51 First Job. 3/6/19 Warm wishes, Denyse