For some reason, February is loaded with major health-focused national recognitions. It’s both National Heart Month and National Cancer Prevention Month—addressing our number one and two causes of death.
Maybe it’s because many New Year’s resolutions have fizzled by now and we all need a gentle reminder of what’s truly at stake.
But February is also National Self-Check Month—and this is where you can make a profound impact on your health and possibly extend (or even save) your life.
So what should Self-Check Month look like?
If you browse mainstream health sites, you’ll find reminders to:
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Quit smoking
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Exercise regularly
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Eat a healthy diet
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Lose weight
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Perform breast, testicular, and skin self-exams
All excellent advice.
But there’s something equally important that doesn’t get emphasized enough:
Get Involved.
Taking charge of your health means playing an active, decisive role in both treatment decisions and disease prevention.
It means making fully informed choices you’re comfortable with.
If you’re facing a health concern, here are 8 essential questions to ask your doctor or healthcare provider:
1️⃣ Why is this test necessary?
Tests are vital in diagnosis—but not every test is necessary every time it’s suggested.
Some tests (especially X-rays and invasive procedures) expose you to radiation or infection risk. In certain cases, safer alternatives may exist. Always ask.
2️⃣ Why did you choose this medication?
Many conditions have multiple treatment options—and they’re not one-size-fits-all.
Some medications are stronger than others. Sometimes a milder option can be effective with fewer side effects. Antibiotics and pain medications are prime examples.
3️⃣ What are the potential side effects?
This is crucial.
Doctors may discuss common side effects—but serious reactions can occur. Ask for the package insert or look it up yourself and read it before taking the medication.
4️⃣ Are there safer or natural alternatives?
After injuring my shoulder in karate years ago, I was prescribed anti-inflammatories. When they didn’t help, I discontinued them and began ultrasound therapy with my chiropractor.
Within months, I was completely fine—and I’ve remained symptom-free ever since.
There are often options worth exploring.
5️⃣ What dietary changes would you recommend?
Nothing impacts your health more profoundly than your diet. Nutritional deficiencies are at the root of many illnesses.
If you’re told diet makes no difference—consider that a red flag.
6️⃣ What are my alternatives to surgery?
Some surgeries are necessary and life-saving.
But others may not be.
Procedures frequently questioned for overuse include C-sections, knee and hip replacements, gallbladder removal, back surgery, and hysterectomy.
Always explore alternatives.
7️⃣ Can I get a second opinion?
There’s nothing wrong with wanting another expert’s perspective—especially for something life-altering like surgery.
If your request is met with resistance, that’s information worth noting.
8️⃣ What is my prognosis?
Before proceeding with treatment, understand what to expect long-term.
Will there be limitations? Recurrence? Nutrient deficiencies? Is this addressing root causes—or masking symptoms?
For example, many people are told they’ll be “just fine” without a gallbladder—yet later struggle with fat digestion and absorption of vitamins A, D, E, and K.
Ask. Learn. Decide wisely.
But You Must Do Your Part, Too
Asking smart questions is powerful.
But prevention is even more powerful.
And health begins in your gut.
Here are 2 of the most crucial steps you can take to protect your gut—and your long-term health.
🥦 1️⃣ Eat a Real, Whole Foods Diet
This is, without question, the single most significant step you can take for vibrant, lasting health.
Focus on:
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Fresh vegetables and fruits
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Meats, poultry, and fish
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Eggs
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Full-fat dairy and real butter
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Whole grains
Avoid:
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Fast food
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Seed and vegetable oils
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Processed foods
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Soda and refined carbs
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Artificial sweeteners
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Low-fat or fat-free dairy
If you need guidance, my Great Taste No Pain system can help.
It’s not a diet—it’s a lifestyle built on strategic food combinations that support smoother digestion and better nutrient absorption.
This is the approach that eradicated my IBS 34 years ago—and I’ve been symptom- and medication-free ever since.
🦠 2️⃣ Nurture Your Gut Microbes
Your microbiome is your body’s hidden gold.
It:
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Aids digestion and nutrient absorption
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Supports healthy cholesterol levels
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Influences mental health
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Houses the majority of your immune system
Unfortunately, medications, stress, refined sugars, environmental toxins, and even tap water can disrupt gut balance.
That’s why supporting your microbiome with a high-quality, multi-strain probiotic can make such a difference.
Super Shield contains 15 well-studied probiotic strains designed to:
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Support digestion
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Help maintain gut wall integrity
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Encourage strong immune function
When you ask better questions and strengthen your gut foundation, you’re no longer reacting to health problems—
You’re preventing them.
And that’s how you truly take charge of your health for life.
To your health,
Sherry Brescia
