There’s a reason they call it Break-fast

I had my wellness check-up this week.

It was 9:10 when I appeared at the clinic, fasting, for my semi-annual cholesterol check. That was the earliest appointment available, and it was much later in the day than I normally go without eating. In my purse I had stashed a breakfast bar, planning to relieve my hunger as soon as the lab had drawn blood.

After a short wait, the nurse (younger than my youngest grandchild) beckoned me and asked if I had ever had a Medicare Wellness Check-up. I said I didn’t think so. She said, brightly, “Good! We can do this now.” I mentioned that I was supposed to visit the lab, and she said yes, right after the check-up.

I settled in the chair and she asked if I knew what day of the week it was. I blinked. Are all the questions going to be this hard? 

At my job I work with several calendars. Currently, I have been helping put together a summer catalog of professional development opportunities … dealing with dates in June, July, and August. With some follow up dates during the 2016-17 school year. Also, I’ve been proof-reading a report that deals with activities in FY 2015-16. On my best days, I might have to ponder to decide what day it is.

Fortunately, I came up with the right answer and we proceeded. The rest of the exam went along well. I can see it is a good tool, designed to target seniors who might be depressed, suffering from serious memory problems, or needing help with day to day living.

The nurse asked if I exercise, if I wear a seat belt, if I have fallen in the past year. (I admitted to tripping over the dog.) She watched me walk across the room. I drew a picture of a clock and picked the triangle out of the array of shapes.

I said yes to a pneumonia shot and bone density test and no thanks to the shingles vaccine and colonoscopy. After she weighed me and checked my vitals, she closed her laptop and said, “Okay. The doctor will see you shortly.”

What? I’m still fasting over here! I said, “I thought I was going to the LAB!“

“Yes,” she said, “right after you see the doctor. He’ll be here soon.”

I looked at my watch. 10:30! It had been more than 12 hours since food entered my mouth. I wondered if I had lost any weight from the long enforced starvation. I felt I could commiserate with Ghandi. I looked at my watch again. 10:32. She said the doctor would be in soon.

And he was. We chatted a few minutes about how well I am and how his allergies are giving him fits. I finally visited the lab.

I pulled out of the parking lot and drove 1/2 mile to Hardee’s where I ordered one of everything.  Maybe not the best food, even for one who is extremely healthy, but by then, I was one hungry senior citizen.