February is a month with several unique awareness and observances such as Narional Self-Check month. Self-Check isn’t selfish. It’s one way to increase the odds of avoiding chronic disease and other preventable conditions like cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity – conditions that are often preventable and treatable if found early enough.

WHY SELF-CHECKS MATTER

We all have our reasons for avoiding a checkup or self-check. We’re too busy. We don’t want to know the truth. Or, it just slipped our minds. National Self Check Month brings to your fingertips a variety of self-empowering and proactive early detection and preventative resources and tools to guide us through healthcare-related fears and concerns.

When you prioritize self-checks, you are investing in your own health and reducing the strain on healthcare systems. This is especially important in today’s world, where resources are often stretched thin.

CHECK YOURSELF

February is the time to do your important self-checks and/or visit your healthcare professional for a wellness check. Before you go, make a list of any concerns you may have. Include in your concerns a reminder to check on your emotional and mental health and overall well-being.

Here are some simple questions and ideas you can use during your self-check.

• Ask yourself how do you feel in this moment and how long have you felt that way? Run through every emotion you can think of, from anger and embarrassment to love and compassion.
• When experiencing or recalling a feeling, recognize how your body reacts to that feeling. Do you clench your teeth or find yourself smiling? Did your heart start to pound or did your body relax? From happiness to shame, and everywhere in between, emotions can manifest with physical reactions.
• Ask yourself if you’ve had any recurring thoughts or if your mind keeps replaying a particular encounter or conversation? Think about how you feel each time the recurring thought occurs. Does the emotion dissipate or intensify with each recurrence?
• Have you been worrying lately? If so, ask yourself if there is something you can do to change what you’re worrying about?
• Take stock of what you’re doing for enjoyment and relaxation.
• Ask yourself if you’re eating well, moving and sleeping well.
• How often do you rely on substances like alcohol, drugs or cigarettes to deal with emotions?

REMIND OTHERS TO CHECK THEMSELVES

Maybe you are proactive but someone else in your life may not be. National Self -Check Month gives you an opportunity to sit down with a loved one to share your concerns and point out ways to better health. By dedicating time to self-checks, you are improving your own health and setting an example for those around you.

REFLECT AND ACT

As you celebrate Self-Check month, let’s embrace the love we have for ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities. Let’s commit to regular self-checks, educate ourselves about potential symptoms, and take proactive steps toward better health. After all, self-care is the foundation of a happy, healthy life.

Remember, self-check is a part of self love, and it isn’t selfish.