Self Care is a Necessity, Not a Luxury!

Thyroid Cancer Awareness: Why You Should Use Your PTO for Health Checkups Before the Year Ends

As September’s Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month wraps up, I want to share a message that goes beyond the specifics of thyroid cancer—it’s about prioritizing your health, especially in the busy lives we all lead as professionals. I was diagnosed with papillary thyroid carcinoma earlier this year, and it was an unexpected reminder of how easy it is to overlook the signs our bodies give us.

Like many of us, I’d been powering through the demands of work and life, dismissing minor symptoms as stress or exhaustion. But when I finally took the time to get a routine scan, it led to my diagnosis. That’s why today I want to focus on something crucial: using your PTO or sick time before the year ends to make sure you’re getting the health checkups you need.

Thyroid Cancer: A Growing Concern

Thyroid cancer is the fastest-growing cancer in the United States, with women being three times more likely to develop it. Many people—myself included—don’t experience noticeable symptoms until it’s more advanced. But regular checkups can catch these conditions early, potentially saving your life. Early detection, whether it’s thyroid cancer or something else, makes all the difference in treatment outcomes.

The Importance of Taking Time for Your Health

As business professionals, we often let work dictate our priorities, leaving health and self-care on the back burner. Many of us feel guilty for taking PTO or using our sick days to go to the doctor or get an annual exam. But here’s the reality: your work will always be there—your health won’t be if you don’t make it a priority.

With only a few months left in the year, now is the perfect time to schedule those annual exams, screenings, and checkups you’ve been putting off. Don’t let the holiday rush or work obligations keep you from making yourself a priority. Whether it’s for a physical, a routine blood test, or a neck check for thyroid cancer, your health deserves attention.

Why Professionals Need to Stop Feeling Guilty About PTO

It’s natural to feel a sense of obligation to your job and team, but leaving the office for a doctor’s visit shouldn’t bring guilt or anxiety. Here are a few tips to help you take time off without worrying about work:

1. Plan Ahead: If you know you have a doctor’s appointment or annual exam coming up, block that time off in advance and give your team a heads-up. This allows you to prepare and delegate tasks as needed.
2. Set Boundaries: Communicate clearly with your manager or team about your availability when taking PTO or sick days. Let them know you won’t be available during that time unless it’s an emergency.
3. Remind Yourself That You Deserve It: PTO isn’t a luxury; it’s a benefit you’ve earned. You don’t need to justify taking care of yourself. Use those days without guilt to focus on your well-being.
4. Delegate and Trust Your Team: If you’re in a leadership role, delegating work is essential for both your team’s development and your peace of mind. Assign tasks and trust your colleagues to keep things moving while you’re away.
5. Disconnect Completely: When taking time off for a medical checkup or exam, fully disconnect. Don’t check emails or messages during this time—your focus should be on your health, not your inbox.

Taking Action for Thyroid Health and Beyond

Whether you’ve been experiencing subtle symptoms, like fatigue or difficulty concentrating, or you simply haven’t had a checkup in a while, take this as a sign to schedule that appointment. Perform a neck check to feel for any lumps or swelling, and don’t hesitate to consult your doctor if you notice anything unusual.

There’s still time left this year to use your benefits and take care of yourself—and if there’s one thing you shouldn’t delay, it’s your health. Whether it’s thyroid cancer, another health condition, or just general wellness, staying proactive can make all the difference.

Don’t Wait—Your Health is Worth It

As professionals, we have a responsibility not just to our work, but to ourselves. Your PTO, vacation, and sick time are there for a reason—use them. As the year winds down, let’s all commit to making our health a priority. If you haven’t already, schedule your annual checkups, take the time you need to rest, and remember that your health is your most valuable asset.

Take action today. Whether it’s scheduling that overdue checkup or performing a neck check for thyroid cancer, don’t wait until something is wrong to make time for yourself.

About the author:

Jessica Fiesta George is a seasoned Talent Acquisition Strategist with more than 15 years of experience, specializing in empowering job seekers and coaching private equity-backed companies to achieve success. As the host of the Jess Get Hired Podcast, she offers invaluable insights and advice on personal branding, the latest HR technology, industry trends, and more, making it the ultimate resource for professionals at all career stages. With the ever-changing job market, Jessica's podcast helps listeners navigate the landscape and provides them with the tools necessary to succeed. Her mission is to assist others in hiring the best talent, developing world-class recruitment solutions, and helping individuals get promoted or find their next opportunity. Learn more: https://linktr.ee/jessgethired