Like many people, going to the doctor is not on top of my list of favorite things to do. I’ve always dreaded going to the hospital since I was a kid because of the negative associations I had with hospitals. I hated the smell of hospitals and most of all, I hated getting shots. I got plenty of shots when I was younger and I hated them so much that my mom had to trick me into going to get them. I think that’s why I’m so afraid of needles today.

Last Friday I went for a complete physical. I think they recommend you do this once a year but I haven’t had one done in about 5 years. They did all the regular tests including the one where they make you cough. Everything was fine until the nurse said I needed a tetnus shot and to get my blood drawn for the blood test. Yikes! That means they need to use a needle! I immediately began to feel my body shaking as if I was cold, it was almost uncontrollable. But the nurse came in and gave me the shot before I knew what had happened. She was so quick with the tetnus shot that I couldn’t react to it until afterwards. The shot didn’t hurt at all but I was shaken up a bit knowing that a needle was just inserted into my arm.

Next came the blood test. Last time I saw a needle being stuck into someone’s arm I felt light-headed and nearly fainted. But this time I used a new strategy to combat my fear. Since I knew the feeling that I was experiencing from thinking about needles was “I’m going to die I’m going to die!” I simply began saying to myself “You’re not going to die, a needle won’t kill you!” And it worked, I wasn’t as scared. I think telling myself that I’m not going to die is one of the most effective ways of playing down my fear for needles. After lying down (so I won’t faint and fall over) and getting my blood drawn, I felt like I just got done bunge-jumping. I couldn’t believe I had gone through all those needles and didn’t die.

Checkups and preventive screenings are important, they help you have a long and healthy life. Even if you have not paid attention to prevention before and have avoided the doctor, it’s important to take action now. Here’s how to stay ahead of the game.

• Become a partner with your health care provider to decide when you need your screenings and immunizations
• Keep a list of your tests and when you should have them
• Know your numbers, including your blood pressure, your total HDL and LDL cholesterol levels, your blood sugar and your body mass index
• Keep a file of your test results
• Know and share your family history with your health care provider
• Speak up and voice your concerns
• Always ask questions, especially if you are confused

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