They say wisdom comes with age.
While I’m not that old, I am half way to the century mark and it has me pondering many things.
Like many men my age, I hate going to the doctor.
But guys, I have sucked it up and followed what the medical community has been preaching for a long time.
I have started yearly trips to the urologist.
It always means a trip to the bathroom with a cup, some blood drawn and almost always an awkward physical exam.
We talk about our parents and kids. He might be kin to me based on the stories we have shared.
It’s good to know the doctor tells me everything is order and there is nothing unusual.
The same can be said for those intestines too.
Yes I’ve drank that awful tasting stuff that keeps you up all night going to the bathroom before a groggy visit to another doctor.
All is fine there too.
My eyes will be better this year after I get the cataracts fixed.
It’s been a years long process there but I’m hoping the new lenses will be the last step to better vision and eye health.
I encourage everyone else to follow suit and get those suggested checkups, tests and procedures.
I’m regular on my visits to a primary care doctor as well.
They tell me I need to sleep more and better.
They tell me I need to watch what I eat and lose weight. I hope to, but I do love me some home cooking. Maybe the moderation trick will work for me.
They tell me I need to exercise more. I do. Maybe the extra walking and workouts will help me lose weight and get more sleep. Maybe it will let me have a little more fried chicken and ice cream — in moderation of course.
I have found it necessary to follow the advice of doctors as my waistline has grown.
Eating is an enjoyable experience for me but has its side effects.
Those side effects don’t allow me to fully enjoy what is most important to me now — my son.
I like our random discussions about almost everything. He has taught me more about video games, Legos and soccer than anybody else.
I enjoy our debates over who has the best hotdogs and hamburgers.
I want to be there for more of that.
But to do so means I have to follow the advice so many men chose to ignore.
So don’t be too proud of yourself and go see the doctor as they recommend.
Be a good patient and follow their plan.
You will be better for it.
It might just allow you to see your kids or grandkids open presents next Christmas.
