I believe that most men tend to be good patients once they’ve agreed to attend to their own health care. Getting us into that mode tends to be a different story.

I come from a long line of stoic and stubborn Italian men. Personal healthcare has traditionally ranged from, “Ahh, it's fine” in the case of a cold, headache or sprain, all the way up to, “Maybe I'll get it looked at” if, say, a limb were in danger of falling off. This was what I observed growing up, so this was how I lived… until I became a father.

Then my children became my whole world. I went to every doctor’s visit, checkup and appointment. Not one needle was administered without me there to wipe a tear or hold a hand. So when I saw a large brown spot on my 9-year-old son's neck, we called on the dermatologist and gratefully learned that it was only a normal mole darkened by the sun.

I, however, was not so lucky. After completing my son's exam, the doctor asked me if I had anything I was concerned about. I thought it was nice of her to ask and felt impelled to point out something just so she could say, “Oh, that looks fine” and we'd be on our way. After showing her a mole on my chest she recommended a biopsy.

To my surprise, the tests showed a malignant melanoma. After surgery and and treatment, I eventually received a clean bill of health. I've been cancer-free for nearly eight years now, but still stick to the prescribed routine of six-month checkups. My good fortune is that love for my son and the care of a conscientious physician saved my life; I plan to keep it that way.

The lesson I learned has been a valuable one. I realized that I need to daily care for my own health, just as I do for loved ones, so that I can be around to enjoy life and be here for them.

If this story resonates with you, please listen carefully to what your body is telling you. Seek treatment when indicated, whether it’s conventional or complementary, depending on personal beliefs and the situation at hand. Just be aware that procrastination is not an acceptable method of healthcare.

To your health and well-being,

Patrick Vacanti, Co-Publisher