Practice What You Preach

Guest Editorial by Walter F. Lamacki, D.D.S

 

 

I, and I alone, am responsible for the Bulls' six championships. How, you say? Convinced that I'm a jinx, I did not watch any of the final playoff games. I waited until I heard the roar of the crowd outside to let me know it was safe to turn on the TV. The real reason is that I find the anxiety unbearable. That is why I love the Cubs; you can watch them without any great expectations.

 

So when my urologist called to tell me my fourth biopsy was positive for cancer of the prostate, I was astonished at my composure. The answer was simple. For the past 20 years, I have had my PSAs checked and my prostate digitally probed. As the PSA number rose, I was more frequently checked which eventually led to three biopsies. I also did my due diligence by learning about my options from my physicians and from my own study. I was prepared.

 

I had radioactive seeds placed and after an unpleasant recovery, I am back to normal. On the day of my last biopsy, I underwent a colonoscopy, just to be on the safe side. Colon cancer is easily managed if caught early enough.

 

Mammograms are one of the most important tools in the diagnosis of breast cancer. Every woman age 40 or older should have a yearly mammogram. Thirty years of research has shown that early detection saves lives and often means women can avoid radical surgery. Unfortunately, false negatives and false positives happen. Women should practice self-examination, see their physicians and in some cases get an ultrasound and/or MRI. My mother died at the tender age of 46 from breast cancer because her old-world modesty kept her from allowing palpation of a lump in her breast.

 

Pap smears are an important tool in early detection of cervical lesions that can turn into cancer. Cervical cancer kills 300,000 women yearly, including 4,000 in the United States. Amazingly, a new vaccine has been perfected that is said to prevent nearly 100 percent of cervical lesions from turning into cancer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the vaccination to teens and young women.

 

Do you take advantage of the preventive measures available to you? Are you regularly tested for diseases, particularly those with genetic components? Too many people die because they are too busy to schedule an annual comprehensive medical examination.

 

No profession has done more to prevent disease than dentistry. Fluoridation, sealants, promotion of effective oral hygiene, periodic exams and nutritional counseling are a few gifts our profession has given the public for good oral health. But do you practice prevention in your own life? Do you have yearly physicals? Do you exercise? Do you smoke? Do you practice moderation in food and drink? And lastly, do you have dental examinations? Do you practice what you preach?

 

Reprinted with permission, Review, official publication of the Chicago Dental Society, September/October 2006, Dr. Walter F. Lamacki, editor