Too often people tend to put their own health on the backburner. Instead, they place a higher priority on their career or their family’s health while neglecting their own wellbeing.

Health is one of the most important things we have. Without it, we can’t function on a regular basis.

I’ve met people who are bedridden and need assistance to go to the store or eat their meals. While diseases like cancer or lupus are often unavoidable, there are ways to diagnose these illnesses early and nip it in the bud.

Although some are afforded the luxury of visiting the doctor on a regular basis, others aren’t so lucky.

But there are options for those who don’t have health insurance. Picayune’s Family Health Center will offer free screenings from Aug. 10-14 in honor of National Health Center Week. The center is an outreach of the Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative, Inc. Throughout the week, all their clinics will offer free screenings such as hypertension, rapid HIV testing, body mass index, prostate exams, hemoglobin and blood pressure.

The center in Picayune offers discounted healthcare treatments year-round such as birth control and B-12 shots to allow low-income residents a chance to receive healthcare.

It’s essential for residents to take advantage of these opportunities.

I’m not a fan of visiting the doctor; who is? However, it’s important to take the time and visit the doctor to ensure your wellbeing.

Some people often assume they’re healthy because they don’t have any symptoms alerting otherwise.

However, many diseases don’t show any symptoms, so the best way to determine the status of your health status is to take advantage of the medical programs in your local area.

Without health, life becomes difficult and accomplishing daily tasks seems impossible.

Be proactive about your health and make the call today to your local physician or the Family Health Center at 601-251-3500.