A Good Report… by JoAnn

As children, we got excited about a good report card. With pride, we couldn’t wait to show our parents our good grades and have their praises fill the room. Sometimes, we got a reward for our excellent school report cards, and our parents would take us out for a fun time to celebrate. Occasionally, we were even given a little money to spend. It’s a great memory to have from our school-age years.

What happened when we became adults? There are no report cards anymore. Not from employers, friends, family, no one. We are rarely praised for our improvements or recognized for being a good person. It is expected of us in whatever we do. After all, it would be silly to expect a report card as an adult, right?

It seems when you become of a certain age, senior citizen to be precise, report cards make a return! We get one every time we visit the doctor. I’ve listened all my life to “older” people saying they received a good report from their doctor or hope they get a good one with their upcoming doctor’s visit. I just recently understood all the good report stuff. I turned 61 this year, and I have now joined the club of all those hoping for a good report from their doctor.

Last year, when I turned 60, the report card I received from my check-up was not a good one. I was given a “D+” on my weight, cholesterol, lifestyle, and overall health. I was also given a stern talking to by a male doctor whom I had never met before! Anyone who knows me knows that it was difficult for me to endure. I prefer female doctors because, well, I am a female. I have never liked having a male point out what is wrong with me, even one with a medical degree!

But, when all was said and done and the visit over, I have to admit, it struck a chord in me. One that I needed. Fast forward one year later, and I returned for my yearly check-up. I was expecting to see my usual female provider. But low and behold, it was my old friend, the male doctor again! My first thought was, “Oh no!”. Only I would have such luck. I decided to roll with it, be kind and polite, and hope he didn’t give me too much of a hard time. I will be the first to admit I have many imperfections and take full responsibility.

So I take a deep breath, put a smile on my face, and the check-up begins. Doc seemed much more comfortable than last year, and we began with a pleasant conversation. Him being more at ease helped me feel more at ease. We were off to a good start. When asked how I had been, I informed him that I had been trying to improve my overall health since he last saw me. He checked my file and quickly noticed that I had lost a good amount of weight. I had lost 25 lbs. He looked up and said, “I’m impressed! What you have done in a very difficult thing to do at your age.” He looks at my A1-C. It was also down nicely. He looks at me and says, “I give you an A-!” That was quite the upgrade from a D+. I was told my cholesterol was still too high, which is why I got an A- instead of an A+. However, he was still very happy with my progress and proceeded to tweak my medication to help me improve.

I have to say that was probably the best doctor’s visit I have had in well over 20 years. I received an A- for my hard work and dedication, and I couldn’t be happier with my report. Although the minus does bother me, and being the good student I always was, I am hoping for an A+ on my next report card.

I do feel better from how I felt a year ago. Losing 25 lbs. on my own makes a difference. I can only imagine how good 50 lbs lost would make me feel, which is my next goal. During a rough day, I will look back on my recent doctor’s visit with fond memories. It brings a smile to my face now and a little bounce in my step. I can do this!