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Entry bubble Time for a Physical

By: Jim | July 07, 2008 | Category: Health

Doctor and Patient

Why is it so many us take better care of our cars than our own bodies? My birthday is  coming up, which got me thinking that I'm long overdue for a physical, at least according to the NIH's guidelines. I realize that part of the reason I've been putting off a visit to the doctor is because I'm convinced he's going to tell me to make some lifestyle changes. Another part of it is my denial about my cancer risk. Considering my family history, I can't continue to ignore my risk any longer.

Determined to face my fear of Dr. Goldfinger and the dreaded DRE, I've started researching men's health-related information on USA.gov to get ready for my visit. A search of "men's health" came up with quite a bit of information, some a little surprising. For example, a quarter of men older than 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. I also found an easy to use checklist that outlines some of the screening tests folks should get when they get a physical.

As the owner of a bathroom scale that gets used once in a blue moon, a not so surprising fact surfaced when I used the body mass indicator on the CDC's website. It revealed that I'm nearing the obese range. Obesity is another risk factor for cancer and contributes to other health issues.

I realize that I can't necessarily control whatever potential genetic predisposition I may have for getting cancer. However, I can do something about my weight and my diet. As a guy who can be labeled borderline lazy, does anybody out there have any tips on how I can work some physical activity into my routine, without having to sign up for a gym membership which I probably wouldn't use?

| View Comments [4] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: cancer   health   jim   obesity   physical  

Comments (4):

blue comment bubble Posted by mariemarion on July 07, 2008 at 08:42 AM EDT

Listen me, dear Jim. After three Brain-Strokes and a Brain Tumor I can tell to you my secret: in PREVENCTION stays the long long Health! If I not controlled my pshysical and phisic health with a continue control of my Good Food, if I not discovered AMERICAN NUTRITION SCIENCE before last SCIENCE, I not stay alive to write you. The fear is our company, always. But WE CAN A DIFFERENCE if WE TAKE THE CHALLENGE! I not believe in the Destiny. I Take My Destiny with Science's Helping united to my Spirit. USA is my Teacher of it. Good Speed to you against your fear, dear Jim:)

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blue comment bubble Posted by Citizen Jmaximus on July 07, 2008 at 11:16 AM EDT

Great pic, that looks like a tourture device.

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blue comment bubble Posted by Jim on July 07, 2008 at 01:40 PM EDT

So many factors contribute or detract from our general well-being--diet, attitude, spirituality, science, and more. For example, that's a picture of an old X-ray machine. It's nice to know that medical technology has evolved quite a bit over the decades. I hate to think of how many people over the years have put off a medical exam because of a previous bad experience involving a medical device or practioner.

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blue comment bubble Posted by PHYSICAL IN TIME FOR BIRTHDAY on July 08, 2008 at 03:18 PM EDT

I JUST HAD A PHYSICAL IN TIME FOR MY 36TH BIRTHDAY AND I HAVE MADE IT NOW A NEW TRADITION TO DO SO. SO FOR NOW ON JUST BEFORE MY BIRTHDAY I'LL MAKE SURE I GET A CHECK UP.

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