A friend once told
me that life begins at the age of 40. She said it is the age when the mind is
mature and the brain functions normally well. It is the start of a “new you.” The
new 30’s, so she claims because they say it is the time when we leave our
childlike behaviors to a halt. It is also a phase involving major life
investments – family, career, friends, and values. Although I was actually
looking forward to this added year in my life, I also thought she must have
been watching too much Sex and the City
reruns.
Indeed it was a
quick turn for me. My life actually turned around. Well, not exactly as my
friend said. Instead of feeling mature or confident, I felt differently. I felt
alone and betrayed. Most of all, I was scared. In less than a month after I
turned 40, my doctor announced that I have breast cancer.
That’s
right, cancer. A word we are all so afraid to say or even think of. I have been
in remission for a few years now (I don’t really want to count), and since then
I have been an advocate for women’s health. Some days, I volunteer at our local
hospital and I get involve with fund-raising activities to help find a cure for
cancer.
Why?
Because according to the American Cancer Society’s most recent estimates for
2012," the chance of a woman having invasive
breast cancer some time during her life is a little less 1 in 8. The chance of
dying from breast cancer is about 1 in 36. Breast cancer death rates have been
going down. This is probably the result of finding the cancer earlier and
better treatment."
So
yes, I am terrified to know this reality. We may be looking forward to another
year of wisdom but we should not forget that it could also mean a decline in
our health. Be more conscious of what you eat. Stay active. Listen to your body.
Trust your instincts when you feel that something is not right. Go see a doctor
when you don’t feel well. It is better to be safe, than sorry – and a peace of
mind.
My friend may be
right when she told me that life begins at age 40. Nevertheless, I think she also
failed to inform me that when biological, mental and emotional functions and
physical performance reach their peak from ages 20-35, waning after 35, our
health declines when you reach 40 unless you have a fit body of a 20 year old
individual.
I think I will
start watching reruns of Friends
instead. Better yet, grab that Wiggles
DVD I bought my daughter when she was 2. Be healthy and enjoy life.
