What have you done for a loved one lately?

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Regina Agoha
  • 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. --  There are many ways to express one's affection for family. Surprising a spouse at work with a bouquet of flowers, leaving a sweet note in a child's lunchbox, or cooking dinner for an elderly parent are all common ways to show you care.

However, one of the most endearing, perhaps unorthodox, ways to demonstrate your care for a loved one is taking them to the doctor.

That's right. Take them to the doctor. This act of love is supported throughout the year but especially in September with a national campaign that promotes healthy living and proactivity instead of reactivity. The official 'Take your Loved One to the Doctor Day' was Sept. 16, but every day is a good day to take control of your health and bring a family member along to do the same.

Lt. Col. John Compton, the 19th Medical Group chief of the medical staff, said a rule of thumb is that everyone should at least do a yearly checkup.

"Not every single thing needs to be checked yearly, but going to the doctor not only helps with early detection of illnesses, but it also makes a person aware of preventative measures and resources that are available to remain in good health," said Compton.

Early detection of an ailment, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and possibly expanding a lifespan are just a few reasons to consider preventative checkups. Going to the doctor on your own terms is more beneficial than urgently being called there by an unwanted discovery or forced there due to a sporadic sensation of unfamiliar pain.

"One of the most important things we have to protect is our health," said Master Sgt. Michael Hasenauer, 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs superintendent. "One thing I've always done was be there with my wife and children for their appointments, whether it was for an earache, a broken leg or a dental checkup. They are all important."

Compton said another reason why it is  a good thing to be proactive with your family's health is because there are many times a family member will confide in another one, informing them of certain issues going on with their body that they may not feel comfortable telling a doctor.

"Family members can be very instrumental in helping loved ones seek appropriate care, especially when that person is initially reluctant to talk to a doctor," said Compton.

Hasenauer was with his wife at the doctor's office, initially inquiring about difficulties she was having with swelling, coughing and other minor problems, when they found out she had lung cancer. Being there with his wife as a support, he said, was very important to him, and he couldn't imagine her experiencing that alone.

"Health is a very personal and intimate thing," he said. "I wouldn't want my family to go to the doctor and find out anything negative without me being there. All news from the doctor isn't bad news, but it can be scary, and I want to be there."

With the knowledge of his wife's illness, Hasenauer and his family are educating themselves on anything and everything they can to help his wife overcome the cancer.

Education and information are powerful tools. Hasenauer said it's important to have regular checkups, but you are your best indicator for when something is wrong with your body. Learn your body, so that between doctor visits, if something is wrong, you can immediately determine it and get the fastest help possible.

Compton reminds all military members and their dependents that most of the services are provided as part of their TRICARE benefits. He also said it is imperative, "we all take advantage of it," because our health matters.

So the next time you're thinking, "how can I show my loved ones I care?," grab your phone and make two appointments to your doctor. One for you and the other for someone you love.

What have you done for a loved one lately?

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Regina Agoha
  • 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. --  There are many ways to express one's affection for family. Surprising a spouse at work with a bouquet of flowers, leaving a sweet note in a child's lunchbox, or cooking dinner for an elderly parent are all common ways to show you care.

However, one of the most endearing, perhaps unorthodox, ways to demonstrate your care for a loved one is taking them to the doctor.

That's right. Take them to the doctor. This act of love is supported throughout the year but especially in September with a national campaign that promotes healthy living and proactivity instead of reactivity. The official 'Take your Loved One to the Doctor Day' was Sept. 16, but every day is a good day to take control of your health and bring a family member along to do the same.

Lt. Col. John Compton, the 19th Medical Group chief of the medical staff, said a rule of thumb is that everyone should at least do a yearly checkup.

"Not every single thing needs to be checked yearly, but going to the doctor not only helps with early detection of illnesses, but it also makes a person aware of preventative measures and resources that are available to remain in good health," said Compton.

Early detection of an ailment, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and possibly expanding a lifespan are just a few reasons to consider preventative checkups. Going to the doctor on your own terms is more beneficial than urgently being called there by an unwanted discovery or forced there due to a sporadic sensation of unfamiliar pain.

"One of the most important things we have to protect is our health," said Master Sgt. Michael Hasenauer, 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs superintendent. "One thing I've always done was be there with my wife and children for their appointments, whether it was for an earache, a broken leg or a dental checkup. They are all important."

Compton said another reason why it is  a good thing to be proactive with your family's health is because there are many times a family member will confide in another one, informing them of certain issues going on with their body that they may not feel comfortable telling a doctor.

"Family members can be very instrumental in helping loved ones seek appropriate care, especially when that person is initially reluctant to talk to a doctor," said Compton.

Hasenauer was with his wife at the doctor's office, initially inquiring about difficulties she was having with swelling, coughing and other minor problems, when they found out she had lung cancer. Being there with his wife as a support, he said, was very important to him, and he couldn't imagine her experiencing that alone.

"Health is a very personal and intimate thing," he said. "I wouldn't want my family to go to the doctor and find out anything negative without me being there. All news from the doctor isn't bad news, but it can be scary, and I want to be there."

With the knowledge of his wife's illness, Hasenauer and his family are educating themselves on anything and everything they can to help his wife overcome the cancer.

Education and information are powerful tools. Hasenauer said it's important to have regular checkups, but you are your best indicator for when something is wrong with your body. Learn your body, so that between doctor visits, if something is wrong, you can immediately determine it and get the fastest help possible.

Compton reminds all military members and their dependents that most of the services are provided as part of their TRICARE benefits. He also said it is imperative, "we all take advantage of it," because our health matters.

So the next time you're thinking, "how can I show my loved ones I care?," grab your phone and make two appointments to your doctor. One for you and the other for someone you love.