Our theme for the month of June is “older and wiser.” Writers were asked to write a response to one of their previous pieces. Today, Parker responds to his September 2023 post, “I Am What I Eat.”
“However, maybe it’s time for me to start thinking less about what I’m eating with whom and rather with whom I’m eating what”.
Famous last words.
In February, I went to get my annual physical exam for the first time since I was a child. It’s been included in my health insurance since I have moved to the US, but this year was the first year where I felt I needed one. I’m adding that to the growing list of indicators that make me feel old.
Navigating the healthcare system as an adult, on the other hand, makes me feel young. It took me about four of five different attempts to find a primary care physician that was in-network and available for a physical exam in the next three months. There’s nothing like trying to learn all the different terms in order to book a single appointment to make you feel like a clueless child again.
The physical itself took less than half an hour including all the bloodwork. My newly selected primary care physician ran through the routine check up questions with me, interview-style. “Yes, yes, regularly, at least four or five times a week…” I submitted my urine sample and let the nurses take a blood sample and—boom—we were done. My doctor told me to not worry about anything as I was, in his words, “a healthy young man.”
A few days later, I got the results back from the lab. Everything looked fine, except for one part: “A1c levels are borderline high, indicating pre-diabetes.” Knowing my grandfather had diabetes, I had always known to watch out for it, but I didn’t realize the warning signs would come so early. Thankfully, though, pre-diabetes can be reversed through lifestyle changes—things within my control. Since I wrote that last post in September, what I eat has become equally as significant as whom I’m eating with.
Since February, I have made an effort to be more conscious about my diet and other life choices. While I have never loved sweets, carbs are my biggest weakness. Reducing my consumption of rice and bread has been difficult, but, as much as I hate it, effective. I have always been active, but have re-doubled my efforts and commitment.
Discovering my high glycohemoglobin levels may not have been the most joyful experience, but I am thankful to have found out sooner than later. Given my age, I never expected to be in this position, but I am grateful for this gentle reminder to be more mindful about taking care of my body.
Parker Yeo graduated from Calvin University with a B.S. in accounting in 2020 with a minor in international relations. He earned a master of accounting degree from the Ohio State University in 2021. Originally from Cairo, Egypt, he is currently residing in Chicago. In his free time, he likes to exercise, watch soccer highlights, and scroll aimlessly through TikTok.
