When I spent a summer as a housekeeper at the Sawgrass Marriott, I learned a lot. I learned how to fold fitted sheets. I learned how to make a bed “from side to side”–only walking around the bed once. I learned how to fold towels into fans and points. I learned fold points in the toilet paper. I learned how to dry a shower curtain. I’ll probably never again use most of those things (except folding a fitted sheet–I use that one on a weekly basis!) But, from being on the other side, I learned how to be a good hotel patron. I learned to use the luggage rack instead of piling my luggage on a bed. I learned the value of a tip. I learned to NOT stash the little containers of lotion and shampoo every day–wait until the end of your stay, then stow them in your bag before you leave. I learned the value of the “Do not disturb” sign–and the importance of removing it after you’re done.

Likewise, I learned an awful lot about dietetics from my time at St. Elizabeth Regional Medical Center–but the stuff that will stick with me is what I learned about being a patient.

I learned that age isn’t about how many birthday’s have gone past, it’s all about the attitude you’ve chosen to take towards the life you’ve lived.

I learned that stupidity knows no age limit–and that it’s worth being avoided at all costs.

I learned that family can be a hindrance or a help to the healing process.

I learned that power of attorney is a VERY good thing.

But the message that sticks with me the most, the piece I feel compelled to share is: DON’T PUT OFF TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF.

I’ve seen way to many patients who were dying and didn’t have to be. They ignored their checkups, they ignored their bodies, they didn’t go to the doctor for years and years. And when they finally got to the hospital, it was too late. They had a terminal diagnosis and nothing could be done but to put them on palliative care.

Please don’t be that person. Even if you don’t think anything is wrong with you, you should go in to the doctor for a routine physical AT LEAST every three years. Women should have a gynecological exam and breast exam every year after the age of 21 or the onset of intercourse, whichever occurs first. After age 50, this should include a mammogram. Men should go in for a testicular exam every year. After age 50, both sexes should get colonoscopies every 10 years and fecal occult blood tests more often than that. You should have a fasting lipid panel taken AT LEAST every five years. And you should be regularly screened for hypertension (at every visit and at least once a year.)

And when your doctor tells you something? Take it seriously. When your doctor tells you to get your diabetes under control and refers you to a dietitian to have diet counseling? Do it. Even if there’s an extra cost, you’re worth it. I’ve seen way too many people who let their diabetes fly out of control and are now missing toes, feet, and even whole legs. Your doctor tells you that you need to lose weight. Get serious about making sustainable lifestyle changes. I’ve seen too many people who continued along their current course and now have complications that can’t be treated–surgery is too risky for someone their size.

These kind of patients tear me up. Not just because they’re in pain or because they’re dying, but because it was PREVENTABLE. They didn’t have to be in pain, they don’t have to be dying. They had a choice. But when they had the choice, they chose not to take it. Rather than staying on top of their health, they decided to just let it slide. And it slid to places they never wanted it to go. Please, please, please, don’t be one of those patients.

Make your decision now. Choose life.