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I'm Shay! I’m a cookbook author, lifestyle blogger, travel agency owner, wife and mama who loves making every day special for my family.

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Mix & Match Mama

Health & Fitness, Wellness ·

Scheduling Wellness Appointments PSA


Happy happy Tuesday, friends!

This morning, I am heading out for my annual exam with my OBGYN, so I thought it was a great time to remind us all to make those wellness appointments.

Now, I was a little hesitant to talk about this because I understand not everyone reading this is able to visit the doctor for these exams each year.  For some, I know it’s a financial burden, for others, you don’t live in a place with access to wellness care and I know there are more of you who, for whatever reason, just cannot make these appointments happen.  I HATE that for all of you.  I wish every person could have quality wellness checks for preventative care.

I decided though that I would go ahead and still put out this little PSA because over the years, I have learned that often when I mention things like mammograms and skin checks, I get emails from women later who thank me for reminding them to go as they needed further testing/that mole removed/etc.  If I can help one person today get into the doctor, then I think it’s worth the short public service announcement.

After my colonoscopy last month, one sweet blog reader reached out about having stage four colon cancer, and she thanked me for getting the word out.  This is important, sometimes life altering, stuff, so if this is the year we are going to consciously “take care of ourselves”, we might want to consider a few checkups.

Now, this is just my list and certainly not medical advice, but when I went back and looked over my year, these are the appointments that I always schedule (and then I’ll add any others as needed like this year, I added in a few gastroenterology appointments and in 2022, urology).  Based on your family history, personal medical experience, etc, you might need more/less, but I wanted you to see what I make sure and do each year.

I have found that I am more likely to not cancel or postpone one of these appointments if I do the following (and again, this is just me):

1: If I make my dental cleaning appointment when I am checking out, it always helps me remember as that one I go to twice a year.

2: I never make appointments between Thanksgiving and New Years if I can help it.  I know that’s a super busy time of the year, so I don’t add to the chaos.

3: I always leave my OB’s office with my mammogram screening appointment confirmed.

4: I schedule my skin check for a time when I’m already in the dermatologist’s office.  Not only does this kill two birds with one stone, but it’s often much faster as I’m already in there and situated.

5: If I can help it, I don’t make appointments between May 1 and August 1 as this time of year is tricky because it’s the end of school/my kids are home for summer.  That being said…

6: I love to make appointments for the first week of school.  With my kids back in school all day, my calendar feels super free and empty, and so it’s a great time for me to get in an appointment or two.

That’s all for today!  Just a little PSA as I head to my OBGYN.  If you have tips/ideas/suggestions, please, please, share!  We’re all in this together!

Happy Tuesday, friends! xx

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Comments

  1. Ashley says

    Just wanted to share that my mom, who is in her 70s, went to dermatologist for a spot on her arm. Our dr is a family friend and convinced her to do a full body check. Right smack in the middle of her back was a melanoma. She never would have seen it. They caught it very early and were able to cut it out. She is not a sun worshiper and no history. Get those wellness checks!

  4. Lindsay says

    If your doctor’s office has a long wait for appointments, ask to be put on the cancellation list. I’m amazed at how often I get called for appointments for either myself or my children based on being on the cancellation list. This has been a great way to get established with a doctor or in the event we had to cancel for some reason, to get rescheduled as quickly as we can.

  5. Erika Slaughter says

    If you’re like me, where this gets tricky is when I add in ALL the appointments for the other four people I’m in charge of!

  6. Mary Elizabeth says

    Hi Shay, is there a link you can share for your favorite sports bra? I quickly searched your blog but didn’t find anything right away. Thanks so much!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I wear either an Athleta or Vuori one most days. Right this minute, I’m wearing Athleta. I don’t have one particular one that I just love, but those two are for sure the ones I wear the most.

  7. Kara says

    Hi Shay! I am loving your wellness posts so much!! Silly question but genuinely curious… what do you see your PCP for on an annual/regular basis? I regularly see my specialty doctors but they do all of blood work, skin checks, etc etc. I only see my PCP if I am sick (strep test, flu test, etc)! Thank you so much!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Well I used to not see mine unless I was sick (which isn’t that often), but now that I have been digging in deeper, I realize how valuable it is to see someone at least once a year. I don’t want to be sick and then have to remind my PCP who I am because I haven’t been in seven years. I found a great functional medicine PCP based on a rec by a friend, and it’s really just a check up (blood pressure, heart rate, etc). I have only been once, but I have my second annual appointment already scheduled. I’m hopeful now that the next time I’m sick, I’ll feel better about going to her because she will have some sort of baseline of my “norm”.

  8. Heather says

    I’m so excited to see that you wrote another “wellness/health” post. I was wondering when you’d do another one as I’m loving these.
    Have a blessed day! 💗

  9. Beth Valenta says

    Yes this is such a great reminder! Just left derm appointment to remove a basal cell. I go every 6 months now. And get that blood work panel done ladies! It really has guided my health as into what runs in my family and what I might need to take or change in my diet.

  10. SS says

    Shay,
    How funny you posted this. I made my annual well check and our kiddos yesterday. I try to get kiddos before mine, so I can get my blood work done after that appt.. My Dr likes to have blood work and mammogram all done before I see her to go over results.
    Dentist was at the beginning of the month and our dentist is the best. We set it up so we are side by side to get us both done at the same time.
    My PSA…check with insurance when you can schedule appts.my Dr wanted to do my appts later because most insurance make you wait 366 days. I always call insurance first to confirm what our coverage is before I set appts.

  11. MelanieL says

    Thank you for the reminder!! I’m so good about scheduling and keeping my annual appointments but I also know it’s a struggle for others. Even every 2-3 years on some things is better than nothing. I also know fear of the unknown and/or a certain procedure holds people back (I’m looking at you pap smear and blood draw…) but I find it helps when I tell the provider that I’m scared or nervous and they can calm me down or make small talk to take my mind off of it.

  12. Marian says

    A friend suggested to me many years ago to pick a month in the year and try to do all of my annual appts then. She used to use February (love yourself!), some people use their birthday month, etc. SO I started trying to get everything in during January/February (“lull” months after the holidays) and a good time to evaluate/reset health needs. Now I have everything routine out of the way for the year (except that second dental cleaning of course). Some appts can be made while you are at the previous appt; for others I set a reminder in my phone. This was especially helpful when the kids were all at home and they had not only routine stuff but other appts as necessary – for them I tried to do their physicals right around their birthdays.

    • Jen says

      Great idea! I started doing it in January just because new year and just tried to do them all in 1 month to get it over with haha.

    • Cindy O'Leary says

      I tried doing this too, but sometimes offices and their availability get in the way. Last year my Derm called me about a month before my annual appointment to cancel it as the practitioner was going to be away. And then they couldn’t get me in for months. Or, this year when I attempted to schedule my appointment for next year on the way out of my appointment, the office couldn’t do it, and once I called back (as soon as they instructed me to do so), my next year’s appointment will be in 13 months vs 1 year. I find the DDS to be the worst. if you have a dental issue they are prompt and responsive, but for cleaning, don’t even consider canceling an appointment because you will not get in for months. But agree with Shay, get those appointments scheduled.

  13. Michelle says

    What exactly is a “functional medicine PCP” vs a regular PCP? I’m post menopausal and think I need someone to help me navigate living healthier with supplements rather than procedures and medicine when possible. Is that what you’re talking about? How do you search for one?

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Functional practitioners are going to lean more preventative/lifestyle than a traditional practitioner who (and of course, I’m stereotyping here, but I don’t mean to) tend to look more at the exact “issue” once it’s arrived. We need both! If you have an emergency or are diagnosed with a specific illness/etc, you need someone looking right at that. For me, I would like to sit down annually with someone and talk about lifestyle changes first at these “check ups”.

  14. Krysta says

    Why the OBGYN since you had a hysterectomy? Mine told me I didn’t need to ever again?

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Mine still checks for any abnormalities that could be living in that area of my body (certain cells that might be a product of other issues from other tissues/organs nearby).

      • Rita says

        Oh this comment has reminded me, I had a full hysterectomy and the other month I received a letter to remind me to have a cervical screen test, I called and explained that I had had a full hysterectomy and he informed me to speak with my GP and that I would probably still need to have screening. I had totally forgotten about it, these 2 comments have reminded me. Thank you..

  16. Debbie says

    I’m so thankful for these type of posts. Just a little to share….always speak up, even if it seems ‘silly’ or insignificant…my 36 year old daughter was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, and then had a bout of pleurisy. She had some pain in her chest and spoke up about it….her family doctor suggested a mammogram to be on the ‘safe’ side. They discovered breast cancer in one of her breasts. I came here asking for prayer for her, and she’s now 2 years down the road and doing well. We are all so grateful she spoke up….if she hadn’t, she was too ‘young’ for a mammogram. Again, SO very thankful for this space where I felt safe asking for prayer for my baby.

      • SS says

        Debbie,
        Prayers for her!!! I am so glad she spoke up.
        When I switched Drs about 5 yrs ago… I said if I say something and you feel you can’t take care of it… I want you to say I’m not sure let’s see a specialists. My Dr now is so easy to talk to that I look forward to our yearly visit.

  17. Leslie S says

    Im finding Post-menopausal healthcare for women is so difficult, and I’m having to do so much research on my own and be very proactive. It’s quite a learning curve but I was tired of my dr saying “well you are over 50”. I don’t know why on earth women of 50 should be expected to be full of life and energy!?? We should expect more. Thank you so much for doing these posts – appreciate the discussion and community here.

  18. Kristen says

    I am soo adamant about going to my yearly check ups, Especially skin! I just had a biopsy done on one of my moles. I always say to anyone that will listen that you need to get your skin checked yearly!

    And how can we all not address that cute little puppy that showed up on your socials!! AHHH! is that another coton? or a maltipoo?

  19. Kim says

    Thank you SO much for encouraging this community to care for ourselves. No matter how young you are, do not neglect skin cancer screenings! Our then 18 year old son was diagnosed with stage 3 malignant melanoma. I was vigilant about sunscreen and sun shirts when my children were young and it happened anyway. Melanoma doesn’t just happen to older people. Praise God he is almost 10 years cancer free and getting married this Saturday!

  20. WhittyWife (Lindsay) says

    Yes!! The unknown and “what if’s” can be so scary, but it’s good to advocate and take control of our wellness! Last Spring, I started noticing my Creatinine levels creeping up. I was also having terrible period pain, which my PCP thought was possibly a result of the covid vaccine or perimenopause. I had to advocate for myself, but I finally got a bunch of tests ordered last Fall/Winter that ruled out kidney disease… but found very significant endometriosis that had spread to other organs and was strangling my ureters, causing kidney issues. This year has been a whirlwind. I had a full hysterectomy in January (and clean up of all the endo) and kidney stents for 3 months to help everything heal (yay for them being removed last week!!). Had I not had routine labs… had I not paid attention to said labs and advocated for more testing (I was the only one concerned with my Creatinine level and painful periods)… I’d be living with monthly period pain (with large endometrial cysts that could have burst) and would probably have eventually gone into kidney failure.

    The appts and labwork can be scary, but it’s less scary than having an issue get out of hand. I feel 100% better now, 4 months later! 💕💕💕

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Thank YOU for sharing!!!! You know I’ve been thinking about you lots this year!! Sending you much love!!

  21. Arika says

    I recently had a melanoma identified and removed by my dermatologist. He suggested that my teenagers come in for a skin check. With my melanoma, they now have an established family history, which puts them at an increased risk. They were clear, but I’m hoping that these types of appointments (and conversations) are starting good habits for my kids as the become adults and become responsible for their own preventative care. I know some parents don’t want to worry their kids and might be tempted to keep their own health issues from them, but it’s so important for them to have context about their family health history as appropriate. Thanks for the post, Shay.

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I am so thankful you went for that skin check!!! Thank you so much for sharing this with us!! xx

  22. Patt says

    My breast cancer was found during a yearly mammogram. Somehow I thought that because I was diligent, it wouldn’t happen to me. It can happen to anyone.

  23. Gretchen says

    Read your blog and remembered the dermatology appt I had been putting off. Called my office (typically a 4 month wait) and the receptionist had a cancellation for 1pm today. My doctor found what she is sure is a basal cell carcinoma on my cheek back by my ear. Mysterious ways Shay, mysterious ways….. Thank you for the gentle reminder!!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      OH PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!! I am so happy you went and that she was able to find this on you. I wish I could hug you, G!

  25. Kay says

    Hi Shay! Random question – if you remember – what lipstick shade were you wearing yesterday in Stories? It was so pretty! Have a great Tuesday!

  26. Michele says

    I read where you talked about getting a colonoscopy. Was wondering, since you are only in your early 40’s, did your health insurance pay for it? I have inquired about getting one, but since I am not 45 yet( which is the new guideline age) my insurance will not pay for it. I have no family history of cancer or any problems, just wanted to get a borderline exam & be proactive about it.

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      They did pay for it because it was on the referral of my GI as I had been seeing him for other GI issues (inflammation, elimination, etc).

    • sandi says

      Every five years since age 40 I have had a colonoscopy. I am currently 56. Based on family history my parent’s doctor suggested that my sister and I begin them earlier than 50 (which was the norm a few years ago). I see no reason why your current doctor would not hear your concerns and be able to refer you to have one at an earlier age. My husband is self employeed so our “insurance” is a little different than most. Having insurance pay would be prefered if your doctor will write a referal, but you could always have one as a self pay individual and most places will negotiate a cost with you of 50% off the regular cost. Again, not the prefered way to do it, but that is an option if the doctor will not refer.

  27. Abby says

    One tip that a doctor friend shared with me is to schedule your OBGYN and Mammogram appointments 6 months apart and that way you are getting a breast exam every 6 months and possibly may catch a lump earlier.

  28. Ella says

    Quick question – since you have stated you had cancer as a teenager (of the lymph nodes, right?) and had skin cancer as an adult, are you not terrified to be in sun? We see you all the time on the beach with nothing but a cap on. No amount of sunscreen is really going to protect you. Just curious your stance since you are a cancer survivor, and especially a skin cancer survivor. I stick to spray tans and under an umbrella after baking in the sun during my teens and 20s!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I was told that I had lymphoma as a teenager and for whatever reason (God, prayers, medical misdiagnosis, etc) it was not present after a surgery I had in 1999. I have had not one but two spots removed from me that were in the cancerous family which is why I’m diligent about sunscreen and skin checks. I’m also not one to live in fear. I don’t feel called to sit around and worry, I feel very called to live my one life to the best of my abilities with God in the forefront.

  29. Priscilla says

    Love these posts! I’m currently experiencing peromenopause symptoms and my ob/gyn didn’t hear me and dismissed them. Do you have an HRT doctor you could recommend?

  30. Ashley Plauche says

    Love your wellness posts! Can you please elaborate on your wellness visit with PCP and HRT checkup? I do everything else but not familiar with these two.
    How did you know your hormones were off and do you go to a western MD or a functional (holistic) doctor?
    Thank you!!!

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