F is for February

Now that February is here many of the New Year’s resolutions are a distant memory. Thanks to Elizabeth Pector, MD for a fresh take on the “F’s.”

Even if you stuck with your intention to lose weight for a couple of weeks, chances are you were feeling better. Life is better without chronic heartburn from poor food choices or eating late at night.

Fear is a powerful motivator. If a close friend is diagnosed with colon cancer a patient will be open to booking a screening colonoscopy or mammogram.

Finances are a strong incentive. Many employers will offer a discount on insurance premiums or lower co-pays if patients have well exams or adopt better behaviors. Check with human resources to see what is offered.

This is a good time to counter fallacies with facts. Give the ‘natural remedies’ a try but don’t be too proud to accept help from pharmaceuticals. It’s terrific to get blood pressure until control with diet and exercise but that will take a will. Use medication as needed and then wean off as you are successful in achieving your goals. And remember that you already chose your mother and father – genetic risks don’t go away.