As we are navigating the second month of the New Year, many of us are focusing on resolutions, fresh starts, and plans for the month ahead. February also marks Self-Check Month, a nationwide reminder encouraging people of all ages to pause, pay attention to their health, and take steps that can make a big difference. In rural communities where long drives, busy schedules, and limited health resources can make regular check-ups challenging, self-checks serve as an important first line of defense. Self-Check Month promotes the idea that knowing your own body, and noticing changes early, can help prevent issues from becoming larger health concerns.
A 2020 study published by The BMJ found that 17.5% of emergency department visits could have been prevented by early detection of symptoms. Something as small as checking blood pressure at home once per week or noting changes in appetite, mobility, sleep, or mood, can create an early warning signal that prompts timely care and a phone call to your primary care doctor. Health professionals across rural Minnesota encourage community members to use January as a time to reset. “Checking in on your own health doesn’t have to be complicated,” says one local nurse. “If something feels off, don’t ignore it. Early care is always easier than emergency care.” Clinics, pharmacies, and home care providers all echo the same message: if you’re unsure about a symptom, bring it up. There are no “unimportant” questions when it comes to your health.
Wabasha County Public Health nurses recommend taking 10 minutes per week to check-in with yourself.
Follow these steps to get you started:
1. How’s My Breathing?
Notice if you’re more short of breath than usual when doing normal things like walking to the mailbox or getting dressed.
2. Look for Swelling
Check ankles, feet, and hands for increased puffiness or tightness in the skin
3. Do I Have Energy?
Feeling more tired than usual for several days in a row can be an early warning sign
4. Have I Been Eating and Drinking?
Think about if you have had a poor appetite or haven’t been drinking enough in the last few days. Are you nauseous or just not hungry?
5. Bathroom Habits
Are you going to the bathroom regularly, more than normal, or less than normal?
6. Check Your Balance
Notice if you feel more unsteady, dizzy, or like you might fall. Falls are a major reason people end up in the emergency room.
7. Skin Checks
Look for new sores, rashes, redness, bruises, or pressure spots.
8. Mood and Memory
More confusion, forgetfulness, or sudden personality changes can be early warning signs, not just “signs of aging.”
Self-Check Month isn’t just about individuals—it’s also about neighbors helping neighbors. In close-knit communities, small gestures can make a big difference. Checking on a neighbor, reminding a friend to refill medications, or offering a ride to an appointment can help prevent serious health problems. Social connection also plays a role in overall health. Studies show that people with strong community ties tend to live longer and experience fewer complications from chronic illness.
Self-Check Month serves as a simple but powerful reminder: taking a few minutes to pay attention today can help prevent bigger problems tomorrow. Whether it’s scheduling a long-overdue check-up, taking daily measurements, or simply being more in tune with your body, these small steps support a healthier, more independent life. Self-Care isn’t selfish. Make time to put your well-being first. And while you’re at it, check on a neighbor too—because in rural communities, we stay healthier when we look out for one another.
