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February is National Self-Check Month,
CHECK YOURSELF OUT!

Early detection of many health changes can result in better long-term

outcomes when these changes signal illnesses like cancer,
heart problems and other issues, many of which

can be treated.

by Dr. Corin DeChirico, 5-Many blood and swab tests can be done at home and can
Chief Medical Officer and Vice President of Medical Affairs indicate cholesterol levels, thyroid issues, urinary tract infections and

ebruary is National Self-Check Month, strep throat. It is important that adverse results be interpreted by a
designed to remind us that like keeping an doctor.
F automobile fine-tuned, we have a role in 6-Blood sugar levels can be tested with home blood glucose
our own health maintenance. Being aware of our tests. Blood sugar levels are important because diabetes can lead to
bodies helps us know what is normal and what complications such as heart, kidney and dental disease, stroke and
changes might need to be evaluated by a doctor. blindness.
Early detection of many health changes can 7-Waist fat measurements. Too much fat around your waist can
result in better long-term outcomes when these increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance and
changes signal illnesses like cancer, heart problems and other issues, type 2 diabetes. Measure your waist at the level of your belly button.
many of which can be treated. If your waist is 37 inches or more for men and 31.4 inches or more
One of the best ways to know what to look for is awareness of for women, you may be at risk, and should talk to your doctor about
any risk factors or family history that might put you at higher risk weight management.
for certain health conditions. Knowing your risks will also help your 8-Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer you
doctor suggest any lifestyle changes that could help lessen these can screen for yourself. Look for new growths or moles that have
risks. changed, bleed, itch, burn or crust over. If you are fair skinned, have
To get into a routine of self-checks and be able to recognize family history or spend a lot of time in the sun, you may also want
problems, it is important to begin them when you are feeling to get checked annually by a dermatologist.
healthy, so you can become aware of what is normal for you. 9-Check your skin, hair and nails, as subtle changes can suggest
Here are nine basic checks that can help you keep track of your things happening internally, nutritional imbalances or more serious
health: issues such as a thyroid problem. Excessively dry skin, rough scaly
1-Take your temperature. It is important to check your patches or redness could be eczema, psoriasis or rosacea, but they
temperature when you are feeling good, so you know what is can also offer clues about how your digestion and detox systems are
normal for you. Temperatures outside of your normal range often functioning. Your doctor can determine the underlying causes of
indicate illness. changes in skin, hair and nails and recommend treatments.
2-Testicular and breast checks are important to discover lumps While it is beneficial to keep an eye on your own health, it is also
or swelling that may indicate cancer. important to have a good relationship with a primary care provider,
3-Check your heart rate. Your resting heart rate in the morning who will also consider your risk factors and maintain a complete
gives you an indication of general wellness and depends on your age picture of your overall health. While self-checks can help you catch
and fitness. Checking every morning for a week can help determine potential health problems early, they are most effective when results
your usual rate. A change of 10 beats per minute or more may be are evaluated by a doctor.
worth discussing with your doctor. A persistent rate above 100 About the Author
beats per minute may indicate a serious health issue. Dr. Corin DeChirico, Chief Medical Officer and Vice President of
4-Blood pressure. High blood pressure is a major risk for Medical Affairs, runs the clinical programs for Healthcare Network
strokes, heart attack, heart failure and kidney disease. after more than 25 years as a healthcare clinician, leader and physician
executive.
For information on Healthcare Network, visit healthcareswfl.org or
call 239.658.3000.

239-658-3000 HealthcareSWFL.org SUPPORT: healthcareswfl.org/donate/

48 Life in Naples | February 2023