Your Health Matters

There’s something I’ve been thinking about lately…

Your health is not one-dimensional.

It’s three-dimensional.

1. We have spiritual health.

2. We have mental health.

3. And we have physical health.

Now if you know me, you know I talk a lot about spiritual healing and mental wellness. I believe deeply in protecting your peace, renewing your mind, and staying connected to God. But today, I want to shine a light on something we sometimes push to the back burner while we’re busy trying to save everybody else…

Our physical health.

This morning I woke up bright-eyed and cheerful because I knew I had another opportunity to make a difference today — in my own life and in the lives of others. And part of making a difference means taking care of the body God gave me.

So today, I headed to Mary Washington Healthcare Center Imaging for Women for a proactive mammogram.

Notice I said proactive… not reactive.

That matters.

Too many people wait until something hurts.

Wait until symptoms show up.

Wait until they’re scared.

But wisdom says don’t wait for a crisis to start caring for yourself.

And let me tell you something… the experience was EASY.

Listen, they did not drag me into a wrestling match with a giant machine like some people make it sound! I simply removed my clothes from the waist up, went through the screening process, and within about 20 minutes, I was done and walking back out the door. Simple. Quick. Professional. Comfortable.

They told me my results would be posted online within three days, although in my experience it’s usually faster than that.

The entire experience reminded me that peace comes from preparation.

Being proactive with this mammogram is important to me because it allows me to confidently live in the lives of my family knowing that I am strong, healthy, and vivacious. It allows me to keep showing up fully in purpose, in business, in ministry, and in motherhood.

And honestly? If by chance something was caught, I would deal with it and conquer it the same way I’ve faced so many other battles in my life — with faith, courage, determination, and God beside me every step of the way.

I know who I am.

I am fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of my Creator.

And nothing by any means can harm me without first passing through His hands.

That kind of confidence changes how you approach your health.

It turns appointments into empowerment.

It turns screenings into self-love.

It turns fear into action.

Now while I’m talking about being proactive, let me share something important. Between the ages of 45 and 55, there are several key health screenings both men and women should take seriously.

1. First is colorectal cancer screening. I know… nobody gets excited talking about colons over breakfast coffee. But colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths, and the beautiful thing is this — it is often preventable and highly treatable when caught early. Screening can begin at age 45 through a colonoscopy or even at-home stool tests like Cologuard.

2. Second is diabetes screening. Type 2 diabetes can quietly develop without obvious symptoms while slowly affecting your body behind the scenes. A simple fasting glucose or A1C blood test can help catch problems early before complications start stacking up.

3. Third is cardiovascular and metabolic screening. In plain language? Pay attention to your heart. Blood pressure, cholesterol, and overall cardiovascular health matter tremendously in this season of life. Heart attacks and strokes don’t usually send calendar invitations first.

And ladies… yes, mammograms matter.

Men… yes, prostate conversations matter too.

This isn’t about fear.

This is about stewardship.

You cannot pour into everybody else while neglecting yourself.

You cannot keep saying “I’m too busy” while your body whispers for attention.

And let’s be honest — some of us will spend more time researching restaurants than scheduling our annual physical.

Whew. I’m talking to myself too!

The older I get, the more I realize that healing is holistic. God cares about your spirit, your mind, and your body. They work together. When one suffers, the others feel it too.

So today I just want to encourage you:

• Schedule the appointment.

• Get the screening.

• Drink the water.

• Take the walk.

• Rest when needed.

• Laugh often.

• Pray continually.

And stop acting like you’re invincible just because you survived hard things.

Your survival deserves maintenance too.

Your health matters.

Your life matters.

And YOU matter.

— Tonia Talks Now

Real Talk • Real Life • Real Victory