Early Detection
 

I find myself in a unique position with this week’s Blog. Well, maybe not all that unique as I think anyone who writes, sometimes find themselves with what’s termed as “writer’s block.” It’s a condition where for a short time your mind sort of goes blank. It happens and you roll around wondering what in the heck am I going to write about.

As most of you are probably aware, my writings usually center around the sport we all have a passion for. Of course, my absence at certain races this past year sometimes leads me back to that “what in the heck am I going to write about.” I really can’t make excuses for not being at the races as I believe most know I have some other important (read as health) issues to contend with, issues they tell me are only temporary, but still I have to cope with. Anyway, enough of that, here goes something that really is on my mind this week.

It was several years ago when an engine builder friend thought he heard something funny inside his engine. He proceeded to disassemble the entire engine, eventually finding nothing wrong. But his “early detection” may have saved him from a larger problem. The fact that nothing was wrong wasn’t the point.

Two years ago, my Super Stock engine only had about 50 runs on it at the end of the season. Not really looking to take it apart during the off-season, I instead chose to do so anyway. The result after careful examination of the components was a roller lifter wheel starting to go bad. Had I not disassembled it, I could have had real problems the following season. That might not really come under the early detection philosophy because I really hadn’t “detected” anything, but it does prove that early detection of anything is a key.

In order to obtain an NHRA racing license for cars running faster than 9.99, pros or sportsman, it used to require a NHRA-approved medical exam. Several years ago, the NHRA dropped that requirement in certain classes. Their reasoning as I was told was to save the racer some money. But the fact of the matter is that by “forcing” someone to see a doctor could possibly perform the same early detection of a health issue before it turns into something worse. I know of several racers who during that exam, their doctor found the beginnings of what could have turned ugly had it not been detected early. The fact of saving a racer money is a moot point as I believe most racers have some sort of health insurance which usually will pay for well visits. And if you did have to pay for a doctor’s visit, it still would be money well spent. Better spent there than anything you might buy for your race car.

Over the weekend, the National Football League once again rolled out their Crucial Catch directive. I know a lot of people may have opted to not watch NFL games for a variety of reasons and I’m certainly okay with your choices, but their Crucial Catch campaign does bring up a point. According to them, during the height of the pandemic, screenings for cancer dropped radically. Maybe it was the fear of Covid which may have kept people away from doctors and hospitals, but if something doesn’t feel right, you should act on it.

What was that campaign? “If you see something, say something,” which was related to raising public awareness of terrorism. Well, sort of the same goes for “if something doesn’t feel right, do something about it.” It may not turn out to be anything if you’re lucky, but it just as well may. Over and out!

Re: Early Detection
 

Early detection is key for sure .Back when I got my first COPO I needed a 'new' license and passed the 'doctor' part and went on to the eye exam - took the test and the operator said she couldn't pass me because my numbers were something like 20/70 and I thought she was kidding as I had no idea things were that bad .Turns out after two operations my eyesight was back to normal and things looked much better ( no pun intended ) .Saving racers money isn't always the best idea - because I got fixed I'm sure my driving got better .

Re: Early Detection
 

When it comes to Cancer ==
Early Detection is Absolutely Critical.
The reasons I am alive to write this after :
Kidney Cancer(12 Hr. Surgery)
Colon cancer
Melanoma

Are ONLY because I caught them very Early!!
It is a matter of Life OR Death.

Opps: Forgot Prostate Cancer!

Re: Early Detection
 

As most of you know I lost my wife to Cancer almost 3 1/2 years ago. Because she was made aware (through exams and testing) of the Breast Cancer in October 2003, we began a journey that lasted 14 1/2 years , until her death in April 2018 Treatments and many Doctor's visits and some life changes and diet changes, also. The journey wasn't always fun, but it was very exciting at times. We made some trips that might not have happened. The bottom line is that because my wife was checked and a decision made on what to do, we had another 14 1/2 years that might not have happened. Her faith in God (and mine) and a strong bond between us made those years very rewarding, to not only us but others around us.

Re: Early Detection
 

When NHRA made us get a physical years ago for 8.50 license I found I had kidney trouble. It was an early detection and have been treating it for years and now in kidney list and doing dialysis. I did not feel bad at all and would have never went to the Dr. Then it would have been to late and probably been in real trouble. Also my girlfriend of 25 years was able to get an early detection on breast cancer. Some chemo, basic surgery, more chemo and it looks like she may be home free. I can not emphasize check ups to find a problem in its early stages.

Re: Early Detection
 

Could not agree with this more. This journey of our 2 problems has brought us closer together. We were both pretty independent and now we feed off of each other and get through the days and weeks in a better place in our personal life

Re: Early Detection
 

The old saying "if it ain't broke don't fix it" won't fly with your health. Denying anything was wrong, ignoring weight loss and urinary issues, I finally decided to go get checked out, sky high blood pressure, very poor kidney function, anemia and prostate issues were found, the mix of troubles could have taken me out for sure. After two hospital stays and two surgeries I'm now in pretty good shape. I'm thankful for the great care received by my doctors, surgeons and hospital staff in WellSpan group in the Gettysburg, Pa. area. My wife, family and friends support got me through this deal also. Routine doctor visits would have caught this mess much earlier and treatment would have been a lot less involved. Don't ignore your health.

Mike Bassin, track announcer, Mason Dixon Dragway

Re: Early Detection
 

Thank you for your comments. God Bless you and I pray that you and your girlfriend have MANY more years of companionship.

Re: Early Detection
 

Yes work on the car and work on your health.

Re: Early Detection
 

In 2009 I went in for my "routine" physical to renew my NHRA license I coupled this with my annual physical covered by my insurance--- My DR. did all the NHRA required tests along with my regular exam and digital exam and my blood panel work came back with a very high PSA (prostate) results so he suggested we do another test in 90 days--we did another blood draw in 90 days and my PSA score had increased dramatically so he suggested I see a Urologist---I set up an exam and by the time I got in to see the Urologist my PSA had increased even more---so we did a biopsy which came back NEGATIVE and further blood tests every 90 days for the next 2 years dropped back to my "normal" level and stayed there--- after year 2's test it all of a sudden escalated dangerously high so my Urologist suggested another biopsy which I did and it came back POSITIVE for CANCER---I was scheduled for a Prosatetectomy ( surgical removal of the prostate) between the time I was diagnosed with CANCER end of April 2009 and and the operation about 4 weeks later June 2009 my cancer had progressed from a 2B level to a 3B/4A level--- had I waited any longer it would have been TERMINAL for me----- I never suspected anything and thankfully the NHRA license renewal physical probably helped me discover a potential fatal medical condition left untreated for another 6 months could have been disastrous- ---FED 387