Navigating Health and Self-Care: A Reflection on Priorities

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As a mother, I often find myself serving dinner to my son, who gives me that familiar look of disapproval. “Mom! It’s touching!” He has a deep aversion to his food mingling on the plate. Each item must maintain its own distinct space, reminiscent of a perfectly arranged bento box. But life isn’t always that tidy; sometimes, the ketchup inevitably spills onto the salad. “Deal with it,” I might retort, perhaps a bit too quickly. The reality is that life—and dinner—can’t always be separated neatly.

In the past week, my life has been a collision of joyful and stressful events: family gatherings for the Jewish New Year, my daughter losing her first tooth, my 37th birthday, and finally naming our baby just shy of her eight-month milestone. Amidst this happiness, I found myself anxiously awaiting a phone call regarding my health: What if?

Two weeks ago, I underwent my first baseline mammogram. Statistically, I have minimal risk factors for breast cancer—at 37 years old, with no family history and a non-smoking lifestyle. However, I do have two breasts, which inherently carry some risk. The doctors assured me that the spot discovered in my mammogram appeared “friendly,” yet they had no scientific evidence to support this feeling. An ultrasound yielded no additional insights, and the recommendation was to return in six months for follow-up. But I couldn’t handle six months of uncertainty; I had already spent six days worrying and snacking excessively out of stress. I needed clarity.

Thus, I opted for a stereotactic biopsy. Just before the Jewish New Year celebrations, I found myself on a table with a hole for my right breast. The procedure was brief but left me feeling battered. Then came the waiting.

This time of reflection made me realize that despite managing countless responsibilities for everyone else, I had never taken the time to check my own breasts. A simple self-exam would likely take only 45 seconds. Yet, I always found an excuse—rushing before my children’s show ended, completing tasks, or simply neglecting my own health amidst the chaos.

As I pulled into the preschool parking lot one morning, I observed the adorable children donning their rain gear—ladybugs, dinosaurs, and butterflies—all prepared for the weather. The mothers accompanying them looked like me: wet, overwhelmed, and without appropriate rain gear. Why is it that we prioritize our children’s needs so completely, often neglecting our own? When did self-care become secondary?

Women receive countless messages about prioritizing health for others—children, partners, jobs—but the truth is that we must prioritize our health for ourselves. Women matter for who they are, not just in relation to others. Taking care of ourselves is essential because we deserve to be healthy and vibrant individuals.

As I embark on this new year of life, I encourage you to take action:

1. Perform a Breast Exam: Don’t overthink it; just look for changes. Mammograms are generally recommended starting at age 40, but many developments can occur before then.
2. Set Reminders: Utilize helpful apps designed to remind you about self-exams, such as Keep a Breast or Your Man Reminder.
3. Schedule Your Mammogram: If you’re 40 or older, ensure your mammogram is on the calendar. If you’re younger, consult your doctor about a baseline mammogram.
4. Contribute to Research: Consider making a donation to support breast cancer research. There are many worthy causes out there. Every bit helps.
5. Share This Message: Pass along this information to anyone you know who has breasts. Remind them that their health matters simply because they exist.

After a long wait, I received good news from my doctor: just a lymph node, nothing to worry about. I don’t feel as though I dodged a bullet; rather, I feel enlightened. I’ve been reminded of the importance of self-care, which is now a priority.

In conclusion, take charge of your health today. You matter. For more information on maintaining your health, check out resources like March of Dimes and this blog post on privacy. You can also explore BabyMaker for valuable insights on home insemination.

Summary: This article emphasizes the importance of self-care, particularly for women, by discussing personal experiences with health concerns and the need for regular self-examinations. It encourages prioritizing health not just for the sake of others but for one’s own well-being.