FROM THE PUBLISHER

Robin Rogers, Ed.D.

s women, we look to other women for direction. My mother is my person who has taught me the big life lessons.A First, she taught me to put family first. She learned that from her own mother. Then, she taught me to squeeze a dime and not have credit cards that I couldn’t pay off at the end of each month. She taught me safety; be careful, and that means everything from crossing the street to riding with someone or driving after alcohol has been consumed. She taught me how to be respectful and kind to others. And, I learned tolerance from her; we all walk different paths in this life. There were also some things that she never lectured me on, but I got because of her modeling. Thanks to her, I have never smoked. I wear big crazy hats to protect my skin. I inspect my fruits and vegetables, even smell them, before taking them from the store’s bins. I wear sunscreen, change the sheets regularly, and keep a full pantry; you never know who will show up and when. Always take care of stray animals. Be nice to elderly people. Worry. That last one is the only bad trait I think we share, although we have other bad traits, too. Finally, one of the most important lessons I got from Mom was the non-negotiable of the annual exam. Every year, without fail, as females, we should go see a doctor for a Pap and a mammogram. I remember my first mammogram, and the embarrassment only lasted a few minutes. The “pain” was nothing like people had said (it is not that big of a deal, ladies). I just kept my eyes closed the whole time. If I didn’t actually have to see it, maybe some technician wasn’t actually arranging my breasts in some machine. Sounds crazy, but whatever tricks help you get through those intimidating girl appointments, you HAVE to do it. I hold my breath during pelvic exams. The doctor is always amazed that I have had three children and still can’t manage to get through the appointment without squeezing the blood out of the nurse’s hand. Thanks so much to wonderful nurses who deal with people like me. So, with all this rambling, what am I trying to say? Look at your mother. As none of us are perfect, she has given you life and influenced you in ways you rarely reflect upon. Check on her and make sure she is taking care of herself now like she always took care of you. Schedule your appointments. Women have to stick together. I have never heard a man say, “Honey, make sure you schedule your gynecologist appointment next month.” Catching problems early increases your likelihood of a long and happy life. For most, doing this will just bring peace of mind. Life is short. Show the people you love how much you care about them. Take care of you. No regrets. Live that way. Please support the Katina R Levingston Tough Kookie Race. They are providing mammograms and care for people who need them and can’t afford them. Please participate. Wheel. Walk. Ride. Run. Give. Talk it up. Remember, we gotta stick together. And if you cannot afford to pay for a mammogram, call me. Yes, call me. I will call my friend Katina and get you where you need to go. Looking forward to seeing you at the race! As always, thanks for reading this special edition of Four States Living Magazine.