Be Well

Recently, as a Fellow reflected on her personal to-do list, she mentioned a health concern – something that she had noticed but not acted on. It was the kind of issue that made her Mentor and RJLF staff sit up a little straighter, lean in and start asking pointed questions, even while the Fellow explained that it was the kind of thing she would typically ignore until she had no other choice.
 
Our concern was enough to convince the Fellow that this health issue needed to become a priority, regardless of the other items on her to-do list. It also gave the Fellow an opportunity to open up about her own concerns and fears. The Fellow has since made an appointment with her doctor, and we are all hopeful that the issue will turn out to be easily resolved.  
 
We – the Fellow’s Mentor and RJLF staff – have also taken from the situation an important reminder: Too often, individuals neglect their personal health in favor of the litany of other must-dos and needs on their plates.  We assume that something is fine (or close enough) and can be attended to later. While that might work sometimes, there will inevitably come an issue that must be addressed – an issue where a delay could be dangerous.  
 
While we wish you all good health, we also encourage you to check in with your well-being today and every day hereafter. Don’t ignore your body. Take care of it. And talk about it, not just with your providers but with your support network. You never know what resources your friends and family may have, and you never know who may need to be reminded that their health is important, too.
 
Be well.

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