PARSONS, WEST VIRGINIA – Parsons Mayor Dorothy Judy has a lot of people who depend on her: She is married with three children, six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, she owns her own hair salon and she has been the Mayor of Parsons for nearly 10 years. She shares one important piece of advice to everyone.
“If you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to take care of others,” Judy said. “Remember to make time to keep your check-ups with your primary care physician, have important lab and medical tests and keep up with your immunizations.”
Judy has been a patient of Davis Medical Center Physician Dr. Steven Toney since he began practicing in Elkins, in fact, she was one of his first 20 patients. She said she continues to see her primary care physician as scheduled because she believes in taking care of herself. “If you don’t take care of yourself, no one will,” she said. “You have to be the head honcho in charge of your health. You need to see your doctor and discuss how you are doing, things you need and how your medicine is working. It has to be you that worries about you.”
During her last check-up, Judy found out she was not as up-to-date as she thought she was and was able to take steps immediately to bring everything current. The information was provided by her annual well visit (AWV) nurse, Leslie Hyre, LPN. Hyre helps review the preventative needs of patients and is a vital part of the patient’s care team. AWV’s provide health education, support chronic disease management and advanced care planning.
“I was sure I was current with my immunizations but when she looked, I needed a shot,” she said. “Time goes by quicker than we think, and sometimes we get behind. I am fortunate she keeps track of my testing and vaccinations.”
Judy said her daughter was pressing her to have a bone density test. “I am 71-years-old and had never had one. I thought I would put off having it because I assumed it would be painful and thought the results would not be good.” Judy said when the test was complete, she found out she has the bones of a 25-year-old.
“My husband, my family and the residents of Parsons depend on me. It is my duty to take care of myself so I can take care of them. Go see your doctor and have the testing he or she prescribes,” Judy said. “If you take good care of yourself, you won’t regret it!”
