I have mentioned in this column many times how important self-care is, usually suggesting time off and engaging in self-soothing activities as strategies that are helpful in achieving this. However, one often overlooked form of self-care is staying up to date on all your medical tests and procedures. Now these are not as much fun as a walk amongst trees, but they are arguably even more important!

We are usually quite good at ensuring that our children see their pediatricians and dentists as scheduled and following their medical professionals’ recommendations. But when was the last time you went in for a physical? Gotten your blood work? Do you know what the recommended tests and procedures are for someone of your age?

We all know stories of people who did not go to the doctor for years and when they finally did, they discovered that they were very ill with something that, if it had been caught earlier, would have been a minor issue.

So, self-care. Take yourself to the doctor. I know it is a pain and not much fun, but it’s very important.