Preparing for your Annual Check-up

How often do you breeze through your annual physical without giving it much consideration? You might think, “I'm feeling pretty good, I'll see if everything checks out, and then I'll be off for another year.”

I confess, this has been my approach for a good part of my life.

I share this story with clients often, as it illustrates the concept of “owning our health,” a concept that I'm passionate about. 

Starting about eight years ago or so, the recurring narrative at my annual physical was that my cholesterol was creeping up.

Each time, I'd ask my doctor for advice, and the response was consistent - eat well and exercise.

Given that I felt like I already followed these guidelines, I honestly wouldn't give it too much thought, and I'd swiftly resume my usual routine.  And I would walk into my annual physical a year later, and the same storyline would replay.

It never occurred to me to pause and reflect on potential changes to my eating habits, or really think through my exercise routine.