Let's Get Physical

Over the last two years, wellness has taken center stage at Marcum. As a firm we’ve embraced many wellness initiatives such as biometric screenings, Fitbit challenges and healthy snacks, among others. As part of our dedication to wellness and in an effort to raise the bar for ourselves, last year our Executive Committee instituted mandatory annual physicals for all 200 of our partners.

It’s well known that every wellness campaign starts with early detection, catching something small and early before it becomes big and late stage. Diabetes and heart disease can often be prevented through healthful living and certainly can be treatable if caught early enough. Many forms of cancer can also be managed through early detection and intervention. Our Executive Committee recognizes that the health of our partners speaks to the health of our Firm.

What was amazing (or maybe not) was the number of us (myself included) who not only didn’t make annual physicals a regular practice, but went years and years (and years) without a basic check up. Well, mandating it changed things for all of us.

I’m embarrassed to say that my last annual physical was probably five years ago, if not longer. Since I moved to New York City full-time several years ago, I haven’t even had a local primary care physician. Not to mention my life-long phobia of needles, prodding and poking. But, alas, the Marcum Executive Committee said annual physicals are a must, so I needed to get it done. Last Friday was the day. And I’m glad it was.

I’m happy to report that, other than that insidious four or five lbs., my new doctor gave me a perfectly clean bill of health. I was prodded and poked, blood was drawn, the shingles vaccine was administered, and all was in order. Cholesterol, sugar, blood count, you name it; everything was perfect. And what a relief! Although I take care of myself, work out regularly, eat well, and drink in moderation (well, most of the time), you just never know. My fears and phobias kept me from even the most basic medical care for too long, but now that I’ve done it, I have to admit it wasn’t nearly as bad as I’d feared. In hindsight, I’m happy I was forced into it.

So now, besides the gym and a good diet, part of my own personal wellness plan will be the annual mandated physical (thank you, Marcum). For those of you out there like me, who have been avoiding an annual check-up for whatever personal reason, go get it done. Take it from me. It’s not as bad as you think, and confirming your health is definitely better than the alternative.