Self-Check Month

February 2023

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Avoid Chronic Disease

National Self-Check Month is a great reminder that we are empowered to take charge of our health. Self-selected preventative check-ups are one of the best ways to mitigate chronic disease and other often preventable lifestyle-related conditions.


We all have our reasons for avoiding a checkup. We’re too busy, we don’t want to know the truth, or it's simply not on our minds. National Self Check Month brings a variety of proactive, early detection, and preventative resources to guide us through healthcare-related fears and concerns.


In this edition of Positive Pulse, you will find information on heart health and ways to improve heart health, a checklist for both men's and women's health, how conscious language can be incorporated into our lives, and more!

Healthy Lifestyle Goals Calendar

This calendar can help you reach your healthy eating and physical activity goals one step at a time. Here are some ideas to get you started and some space for you to fill in your own goals. Don’t forget to celebrate the big AND small wins!

Self Check

It’s time to do your important self-checks and/or visit your healthcare provider for a wellness check. Before you go, visit selfchec.org for a list of proactive resources to help prepare you for your visit, and make a list of any concerns you may have. Use #NationalSelfCheckMonth to share on social media.
Checklist for Men's Health

An Excellus BCBS Resource

Checklist for Women's Health

An Excellus BCBS Resource

Mental Health Assessment

Provided by Psychology Today

Wellness 101- How to Improve Your Heart Health

Heart Health

In addition to it being National Self Check month, February is also American Heart month! Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States but it is a preventable disease. This month, take charge over your heart health by completing a heart health checklist.


More Information:

Heart Health Checklist

Click here to download and complete the Heart Health Checklist.

Heart Health Quiz

Test your knowledge and complete this 6 question pop quiz created by the CDC.

Cancer Awareness

There are more than 100 types of cancer. Types of cancer are usually named for the organs or tissues where the cancers form. It can feel very overwhelming when learning about all the types of cancer but the best way to protect yourself from cancer (or any disease for that matter) is to be screened regularly.


According to the CDC, the leading risk factors for preventable cancers are smoking, getting too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds, being overweight or having obesity, and drinking too much alcohol.

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Check the Way You Speak

How we speak in our everyday lives can affect our overall health. Words are powerful and can shape our beliefs and behavior. Conscious language is the intentional use of words and terms to create empathetic, inclusive and non-stigmatizing content. Conscious language should be used in all areas of our life, including at home, in the office and throughout our community. Below are some ways you can incorporate conscious language into your life:


  1. No Self-Criticism - People can be overly critical of themselves. Try to focus on what you love about yourself instead of looking for what needs improvement.
  2. Resist Gossiping and Speaking Ill of Others - Putting others down says more about you as an individual than it does about other people.
  3. Boost the Positive Energy of Words - Try switching out the word "good" with words like amazing, fantastic, wonderful, etc.
  4. Avoid Negativity - Separate yourself from people always looking to complain or critique others. Negative energy has a way of dragging us down and is completely unhelpful.
  5. Surround Yourself with Positive, Uplifting Words - Post affirmations on sticky notes around your home and office that say wonderful things about you, your family, or your goals.


Other examples of incorporating conscious language into our lives include:

  • Instead of saying, "I'm dying to see that movie" try saying, "I'm looking forward to seeing that movie."
  • Instead of saying, "My feet are killing me" try saying, "I can really feel the impact of that hike today"
  • Instead of saying, "I can't live without my morning coffee" try saying, "I love waking up to my morning coffee."
Your February Happiness Calendar

The monthly Happiness Calendar is a day-by-day guide to well-being. This month, we hope it helps you see the beauty and goodness in others.

Recipes

Click here to view our 2023 library of recipes!

“Time and health are two precious assets that we don’t recognize and appreciate until they have been depleted.” – Denis Waitley

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