Every year begins in a similar way. We promise ourselves that we will go to the gym, eat healthier, drink less alcohol, sleep more, spend more time with our family and… work less. Sounds familiar? And usually it ends exactly the same way — after a few weeks, life verifies our plans and we return to old habits.
This year is a little different. I am approaching 40. And this is the moment when — whether you like it or not — certain reflections begin to appear. Mainly medical ones. The kind that sometimes come with fear, anxiety and that long-postponed “later”. But the truth is: the longer you postpone something, the more it sits somewhere in the back of your mind.
I have been working in the medical industry for over a dozen years. I take care of the health of my loved ones, help others, organise consultations, tests and diagnostics. But what about me? Well… I think many of you will smile. There is always something more urgent. There is always time to “do that test next time”.
That is why this year I decided to change something. Without grand slogans. Without pressure. Simply — to take care of myself.
Stomach, reflux and gastroenterology
Poor diet, irregular meals, stress, coffee, sometimes dinner at 10 p.m.… Reflux is almost guaranteed. I knew the symptoms all too well — heartburn, burning, discomfort and poor sleep. I have already had my gastroenterology consultation — back in December. And you know what? The mere fact that someone calmly explained everything, reassured me and created a plan of action already improved my quality of life. If any of you are in a similar place, it is truly worth considering a gastroenterology consultation. Better sleep and normal daily functioning are not a luxury.
Urology package — masculinity without pretending to be a tough guy
Let’s be honest — a urology consultation is not exactly something a man looks forward to with enthusiasm. Prostate, testicular ultrasound… well, “hooray”. But on the other hand — prostate or testicular cancers do not ask whether it is convenient or comfortable for us. I decided to do a full urology check-up and get clarity. For peace of mind. Because the fear of the examination is always greater than the examination itself. If you have been postponing this for years — seriously, a urology consultation is a reasonable first step.
Andrology and hormones — everyday energy
Testosterone is not just “masculinity from advertisements”. It is energy, concentration, mood, libido and overall well-being. If something is wrong with hormonal balance, the body shows it quickly. For me, an andrology consultation is part of taking care of long-term health, not a whim. If someone wants to take care of hormonal balance, I recommend an andrology consultation — without shame, without taboo.
Skin lesions — dermoscopy instead of guessing
Some moles have worried me for years. You probably know this: “I don’t think it’s changing”, “I’m watching it”, “I’ll wait a little longer”. I want to rule out the worst — melanoma. I know, I may sound like a bit of a hypochondriac… but well, that is how it is. I treat dermoscopy as a normal, responsible examination, not a reason to panic. If something needs to be removed, Dr Piotr Rak will take care of it — in my opinion, he is a master in this field. If you have doubts about your moles, it is really worth having dermoscopy of skin lesions and sleeping more peacefully.
Crème de la crème — proctology
And finally, the topic most of us avoid like fire — a proctological examination. The truth is that this short examination can give enormous peace of mind or detect a problem at a very early stage. The more afraid you are, the more it is worth doing. Seriously. If any of you have been postponing this for years, I recommend a proctological consultation in Gdańsk.
I am writing all this not as the CEO of a clinic and not as an “expert on a pedestal”, but as an ordinary guy who is also afraid, who also postponed things and who also kept saying to himself: “not yet”.
If you have reached this point — maybe this is a good moment to think about yourself. Without panic. Without dark scenarios. Just reasonably.
A New Year’s resolution does not have to mean the gym from January and a miracle diet. Sometimes it is enough to take care of your health. And that really is a good resolution.
I am keeping my fingers crossed for you — and for myself.
Best regards,
Łukasz