Dolly Parton’s Death Offers a Reminder for Women: Don’t Put Your Health Last
- Why preventive care matters: Regular check-ups and screenings can help women stay on top of their health.
- Don’t ignore changes: New, ongoing or worsening health concerns should be discussed with your doctor.
- Care for yourself, too: Women caring for loved ones should make time for their physical and mental health.
Dolly Parton spent her life caring for others. She brought joy to millions through her music, movies, and work to help children and families. She also spent years caring for her husband, Carl Dean.
Now, following Parton’s death at age 80, her story offers an important health reminder for women: Don’t put your own health last.
Parton died this week after what her publicist called a brief battle with cancer. While we don’t know if finding her cancer sooner would’ve changed her outcome, she was open about one part of her health journey.
Just days before her death, she said she had health problems that she hadn’t paid attention to while caring for her husband. Her words may sound familiar to many women who spend much of their time caring for others.
It’s Easy to Put Yourself Last
Women often care for children, spouses, parents, and loved ones. When someone needs help, a doctor’s visit, health screening, or symptom that has been bothering us can wait.
Putting off your health can have consequences. Preventive care gives you a chance to talk with your doctor, find health problems early, and learn what you can do to stay healthy.
Don’t Ignore Changes in Your Health
You know your body better than anyone. Every change isn’t a sign of a serious illness, but if something feels wrong, it’s important to pay attention.
Talk with your doctor if you have a health concern that’s new, doesn’t go away, or gets worse. They can help you decide if you need testing or other care. It’s also important to keep regular check-ups, even when you feel healthy.
Know Your Health Screenings
Preventive care is different for every woman. Your age, family history, and health can help determine which tests and screenings you need.
These may include:
- Regular check-ups with your primary care doctor
- Blood pressure and cholesterol tests
- Vaccines
- Breast cancer screenings
- Cervical cancer screenings
- Screenings for other health conditions based on your age and risk
Caregivers Need Care, Too
If you’re caring for someone else, remember that you need support, too. Make time for sleep, healthy meals, and physical activity. Keep your medical appointments and don’t be afraid to ask your doctor or loved ones for help if you need it.
Prioritizing your health doesn’t mean you’re taking care away from someone else. It can help you stay healthy so you can support the people you love.
This article is for general information and is not a substitute for medical advice. Talk with a healthcare professional about your personal health needs and recommended screenings.
Image credit: RCA Records, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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