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*Editor’s Note: Elephant is not your doctor or hospital. Our lawyers would say “this web site is not designed to, and should not be construed to provide medical advice, professional diagnosis, opinion, or treatment to you or any other individual, and is not intended as a substitute for medical or professional care and treatment. Always consult a health professional before trying out new home therapies or changing your diet.” But we can’t afford lawyers, and you knew all that. ~ Ed

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Why I Make Time for Screenings—Even When I Feel Fine

As someone who writes about wellness, I often encourage readers to take small, consistent steps toward better health. But there’s one habit people avoid more than any other: routine screenings.

I’ve seen it time and time again—even among the health-conscious. People who prioritize daily movement, eat whole foods, and talk endlessly about gut health suddenly go quiet when someone mentions a colonoscopy. The tone shifts. Some say it feels too personal; others insist it’s not urgent. A friend told me she didn’t see the point since she “felt fine”—as if that alone meant she was exempt from the risk.

But “feeling fine” is not a diagnosis. It’s just a feeling, and relying on that alone can be risky. Even my sister recently said she has no plans to get a colonoscopy anytime soon. She believes the procedure is too invasive. That stayed with me. I didn’t argue, but I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. That’s what led me to write this—not just for strangers scrolling through wellness tips but for those I love, including her.

We avoid what feels uncomfortable, delay what feels inconvenient, and let important things slip somewhere between hesitation and avoidance. But being proactive about your health isn’t about fearing the worst—it’s about valuing yourself enough to check in.

The Tests We’d Rather Skip

Nobody wants to volunteer for tests like a pap smear, mammogram, or colonoscopy. They can be uncomfortable and time-consuming. But when I think about it, just a few minutes of discomfort is nothing compared to receiving news I’m unprepared to hear.

Over the years, I’ve been there for friends after challenging diagnoses. I’ve noticed that everything becomes more complicated when something isn’t caught early.

On the other hand, I’ve also felt tremendous relief when a test came back normal. That kind of peace—the kind that helps you sleep at night—is something I don’t take for granted.

Achieving something early doesn’t just alter potential outcomes—it transforms how I feel daily. Instead of walking around with that nagging worry or making guesses about my health, I find a sense of steadiness. A certain peace comes with knowing I’m taking proactive steps for my well-being, and it makes all the difference in how I approach each day.

I feel ready.

That’s why I continue to attend these checkups—even when I don’t want to. Taking care of myself now gives me a better chance later, which matters to me.

When Feeling Fine Is Not Enough

Some conditions—like cancer, high blood pressure, or diabetes—don’t come with early warning signs. You can feel perfectly fine while something serious is quietly developing.

That’s what happened to me. About 20 years ago, my doctor noticed my glucose levels were slightly elevated during a regular visit. He referred me to an endocrinologist who helped me make a few manageable changes—changes I still follow today. Because of that one appointment, I avoided a much more difficult path.

By the time symptoms appear, simple options are often no longer feasible. Treatment becomes more complex, stressful, and invasive. That’s why I always say, “Don’t wait for symptoms. Stay ahead of them.”

That clarity, especially when everything else feels out of control, gives me strength.

Honestly, that’s the peace I want in my life. And that’s why I make time for these tests—even when they’re the last thing I feel like doing.

When Access Feels Out of Reach

Taking care of ourselves doesn’t always come down to motivation. Sometimes, it’s simply a matter of what people can afford. Several people I spoke with shared how much they wanted to stay proactive but couldn’t afford it, which stayed with me.

They weren’t neglecting their health but navigating real, painful barriers. I’ve witnessed it myself: people delaying important visits due to financial constraints, fear, or uncertainty of what to expect. However, the truth is that waiting doesn’t make things better. The longer we wait, the more difficult it could become. Most health problems don’t resolve on their own.

Someone in my family had been dragging herself around for months, struggling with low energy. She often mentioned calling her doctor—it would have been so much easier to get checked, especially since, in Italy, doctors still make house calls. But unfortunately, she kept brushing it off, thinking it was just stress or a natural part of aging. No matter what she tried, though, she didn’t feel any better.

Eventually, she did call her doctor. A simple, straightforward blood test revealed she had hypothyroidism. With treatment, her energy returned—and so did her smile.

That moment reminded me of the immense power packed into a single test. A CBC might detect anemia or infection.

A lipid panel provides insight into an individual’s overall health. A thyroid test could explain months of exhaustion. As a thyroid patient, I get these tests done every six months—not because I’m fearful, but because I care enough to stay informed. I don’t wait for trouble. I pay attention, ask questions, and act when something feels off.

Your health deserves your attention—not just when something goes wrong but before it does. Let this be the reminder you’ve been putting off. Don’t wait. The sooner you check in, the better you can show up for yourself and for those who count on you.

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