Body Maintenance
I have discovered that, as someone with Spinocerebellar Ataxia*, sometimes I'm my own worst enemy with regard to preventive health care. Historically, I've always been a compliant patient, but frankly, having a disability has caused me to become a bit medically avoidant. We had planned for our exit, but hadn't given the same attention to our maintenance.** There was enough on my plate to keep track of. My primary care provider said that I was due for everything. Certainly, I couldn't control my Ataxia, but I could at least be proactive when it came to general health. I just needed to do it and quit putting it off – sort of. Adopting the philosophy, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it", I began to list the essential healthcare to–dos. Dental cleaning and exam? Absolutely! Annual eye exam? OK Annual mammogram? Nope. At 70, it's every two years. See you next year. I can hardly wait! Shingles vaccine series? You bet . It would