When I was in my teens, there was a vibrant classmate named Dean (a pseudonym), who was always the life of the party. His energy was contagious; he would emcee major school events with flair and elegance. Even after we graduated, we remained connected through our shared passions, including a Mandarin writing group, and I could never forget his dynamic presence and infectious laughter.

But this August, tragedy struck. Dean, just 37 years old, lost his long, hard-fought battle with a rare form of cancer. Despite his resilience, including undergoing a bone marrow transplant, the disease returned. Watching someone who inspired me so profoundly succumb to such an illness was surreal and heart-wrenching.

The Importance of Health Screenings

About a year before his passing, Dean reached out when he learned I was hospitalized for a minor skin infection. Our conversation took a poignant turn when he confided, “I’m dying.” Remarkably, a routine health screening had captured his illness long before any symptoms appeared, allowing him to seek timely treatment and cherish precious moments with his family.

His news struck a chord with me because, despite my years in healthcare, I had never completed a comprehensive health screening myself. I always thought of it as something to tackle later on, never treating it as a pressing priority.

Dean urged me, “Just do it! You’ll thank yourself later. Knowing you have a clean bill of health is priceless.” The irony was lost on neither of us; a man facing terminal illness was imploring a healthcare professional about the significance of early screenings. The intensity of his concern was a wake-up call.

Overcoming Inertia and Fear

Inspired by our enlightening conversation, I set out to schedule my screening—but I was met with a series of unexpected hurdles. I had to allocate time for blood tests, biometric checks, and sample collections, all while managing my busy work schedule at the health screening center. It turned out that even as a healthcare provider, I was plagued by fear of the unknown.

Until that point, my screenings had only been obligatory—such as for HIV and hepatitis. I had never examined my kidney or liver functions, and the thought of discovering something unsettling intimidated me. My natural perfectionism compounded this anxiety, convincing me that I should “optimize” my health before the screening. Thus, my plans extended from three months to six, and before I knew it, nearly a year had passed.

Every excuse intertwined with guilt: recent indulgent travel, work stress, and skipped gym sessions. But when I learned of Dean's death, it jolted me into action. His battle reminded me that health is often beyond our control, regardless of how well we eat or how often we exercise.

A Transformative Experience

This September, exactly a year after my last chat with Dean, I finally attended my health screening. Nervous as I waited for the results, I found my anxiety fading as the report revealed no major concerns. Moreover, I gained invaluable insights into areas I could enhance, such as increasing my vitamin D intake.

I didn’t just leave it at that; I’ve already scheduled my next screening for this time next year. This initiative makes it less likely that inertia or busy workdays will derail me again.

For Dean, that initial health screening gifted him more time with his loved ones. For me, this experience bred immense gratitude and awareness of my health. It was a strong reminder that maintaining good health takes effort, but the first step is accessing the information necessary to make informed decisions.

Reflecting on all this has made me realize that health screenings are not just a routine—they’re a form of self-advocacy. Let my story and Dean's legacy be a critical reminder: Don't wait for a crisis to prioritize your health. Schedule your screening today!