It might be the shortest month of the year, but this February can make a big difference. Since 2019, February has been heralded as National Self-Check Month. That means it’s a perfect time to do the at-home checkups and check-ins that can catch health issues early.
Here are a few areas you can check on your own this month.
Your heart
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. Fortunately, you can check some of your heart’s performance at home.
An at-home heart health evaluation means checking your pulse, which gives you a good idea of your heart rate and rhythm. Do this first thing in the morning for the most accurate reading.
Find a clock with a second hand or use the stopwatch on your phone. Then, use your middle and index finger to find your radial artery on the inside of your wrist. You can locate this artery by drawing a straight line down from the base of your index finger and feeling around gently where that would intersect with your wrist. It might be easier to feel your pulse if you relax your fingers instead of letting them extend long.
Now, count how many times you feel your pulse during a 60-second interval. Note if the rhythm feels consistent, too. A healthy adult’s heart should beat between 60 and 100 times in 60 seconds at a steady rhythm. If your heart rate is too high or too low or you notice that the rhythm is irregular, make a doctor’s appointment. It might be nothing serious, but it’s worth checking out.
Your blood pressure
If you want to take self-check month a step further with a check you perform outside your home, evaluate your blood pressure. Most pharmacies have a machine that can quickly, painlessly get this measurement for you.
It’s well worth taking the extra step to check your blood pressure, especially if you don’t see the doctor regularly. High blood pressure doesn’t come with any symptoms until it’s extremely serious. In fact, doctors often refer to it as the silent killer.
To make sure you’re getting an accurate blood pressure reading, use this guide.
Your skin
Make it a point to regularly check your skin. Any unusual moles or growth could be cancerous, but don’t panic. If you catch them early, they can usually be removed with very little issue.
The American Academy of Dermatology has an infographic that can help you out here. One of the main takeaways is that potentially cancerous moles usually fit one of the ABCDEs:
- Asymmetry
- Border irregularity
- Color inconsistency
- Diameter bigger than the width of a pencil eraser
- Evolution, meaning they change shape, size, or color over time
If you’ve got any moles that fit the ABCDEs, have a doctor take a look at them.
Your reproductive organs
Women, you should check your breasts. Men, check your testicles. Those links will take you to how-to guides so you can perform these cancer checks at home.
Your brain
With these other checks, you’re looking for physical signs and symptoms. But don’t stop there. Self-check Month is also a great opportunity to do a little evaluation of your mental wellness.
How have you been feeling lately? Do you feel emotionally balanced, or have you been dealing with persistent stress, anger, or other unwelcome emotions? Do you worry more than most people? Have you lost interest in the things you used to care about before?
Asking questions like these can help you gauge your mental wellness. This can help you to identify potential mental health challenges before they start to shape your life.
And if you do notice that you haven’t been feeling as mentally well as you’d like, we’re here to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of caring mental health professionals. We can help you develop a plan to move toward your healthiest life.
